Less than a month out from the start of the season, the Lions have received a late bonus with Carroll set to return home to Ganmain.

Carroll spent the last four years at Farrer League club Coleambally, where he coached the club for two seasons and was a major influence behind the Blues’ rise up the ladder.

But with a move back to Ganmain in the works, Carroll jumped at the opportunity to finish his career where it all began.

“I always said I would have one last year at Ganmain if I could,” Carroll said.

“I don’t know how many games I’ll play but I’m looking forward to it.”

Carroll, 32, is a four-time premiership player at GGGM and coached the club to their last premiership in 2011. 

He has battled injuries in recent seasons but still hopes he can add something to an inexperienced Lions group.

“The last couple of years I’ve had a lot of soft tissue issues,” he said.

“I’ve got to get my calf injury right but I’ll give it a bit more time and stay off it. I should be right for round one, I’ll be disappointed if I’m not right by then.

“One thing Ganmain has said is that they’ve got a lot of young kids so one thing I’ll try to do is pass on what I’ve learnt over the years and try and help them out.”

GGGM captain-coach Luke Sicker is excited to welcome Carroll back on board.

“We’re rapt to get him on the eve of the season. He’ll be massive for us,” Sicker said.

“As I’ve mentioned before, we’re going to have a very young side and he’s going to bring a bit more leadership, which is great for the boys.”

Carroll said he leaves Coleambally with a lot of great memories.

“I loved it. Them and Ganmain are so similar and are both great clubs,” he said.

“Just with the way it’s going to be with work, I didn’t really want to travel for footy. 

“It’s a shame I’m not going to be there but I think I’ve left the place better, with more wins on the board then when I got there. It’s a good club with a lot of good people.”