Russell Holmes has taken on the coaching role of the Grampians Giants for 2019.
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The announcement comes after former coach Wilf Dickeson stood down from the Football Integration Development Association team’s top position at the end of 2018.
Holmes said he was hoping to carry on what Dickeson achieved at the Giants.
"Part of what I want to achieve is to carry on Wilf's work," he said.
"The opportunity has come at a perfect time and it's presented itself as the right fit."
Holmes, a former Giants player, said he was happy to continue his involvement with the club going forward.
"I suffered an ACL injury halfway through last season," he said.
"After consulting with my doctor I still played, but didn't know if I would be able to commit in any capacity.
"I knew the coaching position was open but just wanted to wait and see where I was at with my injury."
After receiving knee surgery in December, Holmes made the call after getting a clean bill of health to start his rehabilitation.
"After finding out there were no complications from the surgery I started making calls," he said.
"I called the 2018 assistant coach, Mick Davis and consulted him about what role he would be interested in going forward.
"He told me he would rather stay as assistant coach so I contacted Nic Baird at Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly and expressed my interest in the main role."
Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly is the administrative body of the all-abilities football team.
"Nic has been really supportive right from the start," he said.
"There will be a lot of support around me throughout the season."
Holmes said he would look at current player numbers and ramp up the recruitment.
"We don't really have a bench at the moment," he said.
"We do get injuries and unavailability, so to be able to fill that void would be ideal.
"I welcome younger players to also come and train and develop skills - even if they aren't ready to play in game."
Holmes called out to the community to get behind him, the team and his five year plan.
"I was lucky enough to win a premiership with Stawell when I was 17," he said.
"I want to get the Giants there - to have that premiership feeling."
The 2019 season is looking doubtful for a return to the field for Holmes.
"I wont pull on the boots this season - but I will see how I am for next," he said.
"If I was to play I might make a move more towards the forward line, rather than the ruck, as I am getting older."
Holmes said the team would start training in mid-march and games usually start after Easter.
"A fixture hasn't been released yet - but we will get the ball rolling soon in finding players for the season."
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