Collins has been appointed coach of the Eagles, taking over from Pat Jess, who spent two years at the helm.

For Collins, it’s a return to club coaching.

He previously had a two-year stint as coach of Kangaroo Flat in the Bendigo Football League in 2010-11, while for the past two years he has coached the Heathcote District Football League inter-league team.

“I’ve still got the passion to coach and the opportunity at YCW arose, which sparked some interest and it just grew from there,” Collins said on Wednesday.

“They are a club that wants to improve, so I’m keen to have a go at it, which I’m looking forward to.”

Since losing the 2011 preliminary final to Pyramid Hill by a heartbreaking two points, the Eagles have won just 12 games over the past three Loddon Valley Football League seasons.

This year there was a major gap between the Eagles’ best and worst football, which Collins is keen to ensure doesn’t happen again.

“We’ll aim to continue to develop the young players and hopefully, we can bring in a bit of experience to play alongside them,” Collins said.

“If we can add some experience, hopefully, that can allow us to play more consistent football next year.

“The club is well-placed off the field and we’ll aim to improve on-field.”

The Eagles finished sixth this year with a 5-11 record.

"Murray comes to with us senior coaching experience, an ability to develop a young playing list and with plenty of respect," YCW president Chris Garlick said.

"With such a young list, we think he'll be a great fit for us as our new coach to help grow our list as both players and people." 

Meanwhile, the club will hold its annual general meeting on Wednesday, November 19, at 6.30pm.

Anyone interested in playing for YCW can log onto the club's website.