The small border town of Casterton had something to smile about on Saturday, with three former Geelong Cats players getting involved in the local football game.

Former Casterton local Max Rooke, along with Brad Ottens and Mathew Stokes, have seven premierships and 580 games between them.

Casterton-Sandford Football Netball Club president Dylan Ayton said that, after a tough few years with COVID-19 and border closures, it was a boost for the town to have the trio play.

"The crowds are capped at a thousand at the moment and we got really close to that," he said.

"After the year we've had with COVID, it's been really hard for our town, not just our club.

Despite the star line up, the team was defeated by the Millicent Football Netball Club 4.3(27) to 11.11(77).

"We didn't expect them to perform on field," Mr Ayton said.

"Poor Max hurt his hammy pretty early but he stayed out there to do the right thing.

"Brad was really good in the ruck and Matty kicked a goal — and it was nice to hear the crowd really loud.

Visit means a lot

Mr Ayton said it was an inspiring experience for the players.

"What they'll take from that is invaluable and that'll hold them in good stead for the rest of their football careers, hopefully at Casterton-Sandford," he said.

Mr Ayton said the trio "had an absolute ball".

"They're three of the best people you'll ever meet. They are really good country people and for our boys to see how they conduct themselves was probably better than anything else they could give us."

Last couple of years tough on town

Being just a few kilometres from the South Australian border, the Victorian town has had "a real struggle" over the past few years.

"Their lives have been changed a lot," Mr Ayton said.

"For a lot of people [who] have been set in their ways for a long time, they really struggle with it, mentally."

Border closures also meant losing players.

"It's been really hard for us to attract players from the cities."

Rooke has major impact on club

Mr Ayton said Rooke had been visiting Casterton a lot, "just helping out".

"He's been at Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne in those development roles and for little Casterton, to get him to come back here and spend a lot of time with our younger fellas [is great]."

"Even the older fellows, the experience he's passing on, the knowledge he's teaching us, is invaluable.

Mr Ayton said having the three former Geelong stars on the paddock would have an impact for a long time to come.

"Not just for Saturday, but we think we can retain those people and, hopefully, their lives get back on track in the next couple of weeks."