Former Hawthorn and North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Howe has returned to the country football scene for the year ahead following his retirement from the AFL, signing with Yarrawonga.

Howe decided to hang up the boots after 2023 following just a single season with the Kangaroos, with 96 of his 107 career games coming in the brown and gold.

The 28-year-old was drafted out of New South Wales club Rennie in 2014 and would make his debut for the Hawks the following year against Gold Coast.

The outside midfielder spent eight seasons at Waverley, with a highlight coming in 2021 against the Western Bulldogs when Howe recorded a career-high 34 disposals in a comeback win.

Delisted at the end of 2022, Howe earned a reprieve via North Melbourne at the Rookie Draft later that off-season, linking up with former coach Alastair Clarkson at Arden Street.

Howe played 11 games for the Roos last year before deciding to retire from the competition.

Daniel Howe during the AFL match between Hawthorn and St Kilda in Round 4, 2022 (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

The midfielder is now heading back north to play in the Ovens and Murray Football League, joining reigning premiers Yarrawonga for the season ahead.

"We are super excited to announce the signing of Dan Howe for the 2024 season," a club post read.

"A former Hawthorn and Nth Melbourne player, Dan is happy to be back playing at his junior club with big brother Lach."

The Pigeons recorded two defeats for their entire 2023 season, going on to win the premiership last September with a four-point victory over Albury.

Yarrawonga's 2024 season will get underway in late March against Wodonga at Lonsdale Oval.