The GNFL could welcome back one of its best-ever talents this season, with a number of clubs believed to be in talks with former Collingwood player Brad Dick.

The 181cm forward is believed to be over the knee and shoulder injuries that plagued his 27-game AFL career, and would be a massive inclusion for whatever team manages to secure his signature.

It’s believed a number of clubs have made contact with the 27-year-old, including reigning premiers Brigades, whose president, Jason O’Brien, confirmed they had held talks.

“To be honest with you I think it might (still) be a little bit up in the air,” he said.

“He does want to player football with (Brigades player) Leith Teakle, because obviously he would have played with Leith at East Fremantle (and) he did mention that he was quite firm on that.”

O’Brien said he had spoken with Dick on a number of occasions, but had given him space over the past couple of weeks to give him time to make a decision.

However, he was also hopeful of having an answer by the end of next week in time for the start of pre-season training.

Before being drafted, Dick played one season for Chapman Valley’s league side as a 17-year-old in 2005 and displayed his prodigious talent with a six-goal effort that inspired the Royals to their only win of what was a disappointing campaign.

Royals president Grant Woodhams said they also had an offer on the table and while he acknowledged the history Dick had with the team, he stressed it was entirely the 2009 Rising Star nominee’s decision.

“It would be nice if he came to play for us but I think there are a few clubs out there bidding for his services," he said.

“The talks have been positive but at the end of the day he’s probably got to make a choice, as a lot of people do, on financial circumstances.”

Woodhams conceded there were a number of other GNFL clubs who would be in a position to offer a greater financial incentive to attract the former AFL star and said he would be surprised if they hadn’t already offered some kind of payment.

“I’d say if you’re going to go and play for anybody and you’re as good as Brad Dick is, you would expect some financial recompense,” he said.

However, when questioned, O’Brien indicated that should Dick sign with them, the club would not pay him — even though he did admit they may offer to assist him in other ways.

“At the end of the day whether he ends up playing for us, or wherever (else), I think it’s just good for the competition in general,” he said.