Eckel will lead his club in season 2017 as the head football coach.

The Youngster has been a captain for the past four season and believes now is as good as time as ever to take the next step in his already decorated career.

“Brad Thomas had told us he couldn't do it this season and after talking to a few ex players and close friends I was keen to do it,” Eckel said.

“I approached the football department and had a go at it.”

While Eckel is young in terms of coaching for him age is just a number.

“I believe I'm ready,” he said.

“I've captained the club for four years and helped Brad out last year. I have great support around me with other coaches and players that are willing to help out.”

Eckel will be joined by assistant coach Cam Kimber.

Kimber and Eckel both played their junior football together at Stawell and are dangerous in the middle of the ground.

“We approached Cam and he was excited about the opportunity,” Eckel said.

“He has played over 100 senior games and has the respect from not just the playing group but the club as well. I've played with Cam since juniors, we are both Stawell boys so I think it will work well.”

Since signing on the duo have met and have plans to make changes to some structures already in place.

The pair identified what cost them a grand final berth and understand the areas they excelled in also need work. 

The biggest concern for both Eckel and Kimber is having the ability to coach and play.

“The biggest challenge will be combining coaching and playing together,” Eckel said.

“I knew that before I took on the job but I'm ready for it and I have full confidence and trust in my bench to make the right calls while I'm playing.”

Eckel is looking forward to assisting his team to hopefully all finish with premiership medals around their necks.

Warriors are expected to start pre season on the 21st of November.

As well as a new senior coach and assistant the Warriors will welcome BJ Birch and David Lang as new recruits.

The majority of the playing group from the Warriors 2016 season have also signed on again for 2017.

“We are looking pretty good,” Eckel said.

“The boys really want success and with BJ Birch and David Lang signed up it makes our list even stronger. They are both very good footballers.”

Birch is excited to be at the club after friends Jackson and Tom Taurau took the first step.

“I wanted to play at a higher level of football again before I get to old,” Birch said.

“It was a really hard decision to leave Great Western and it didn't make it any easier with Will Bell taking over as coach.”

Birch has been a big part of Great Western for the last few years and he will be a big lost to the club.

Birch playes his best football in the forward line with the occasional run on the ball.

He has a good engine to work around the ground but in previous season he has been hampered by injury.

“I missed most of the year with my hammy,” he said.

Birch has taken an interest in the Warriors since Jack Taurau joined the club several years ago. When Taurau’s brother Tom also joined Birch’s interest grew.

“I was pretty close to going with Tom last season so I guess it was just a matter of time,” Birch said.

Birch models his game around Richmond’s Dustin Martin and will be an exciting prospect for the Warriors next season.