RICK Ladson has been reappointed Bendigo Football Netball League coach for next year's Worksafe AFL Victoria Country Championships clash with Ballarat.
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The 2013 Golden Square premiership coach returns to the inter-league role after leading the Workforce XS BFNL squad to victory against Gippsland in this year's clash at the QEO.
"Once Rick pulled out of the race for the Bendigo Pioneers coaching job it really was a no-brainer for us,'' AFL Central Victoria regional operations manager Justin Abrams said.
"Rick did a great job this year and to have someone of his experience staying involved with inter-league is fantastic for us."
Ballarat is ranked fifth on the Country Championships, one spot ahead of Bendigo.
The winner of the May 23 game will move into fourth on the rankings.
Ladson said he was looking forward to leading the BFNL into battle against arch-rival Ballarat.
"I was very keen to have another crack at it and I appreciate the backing the BFNL has given me,'' Ladson said.
"We had a great group this year with about 14 first-gamers and, hopefully, we get the same support from the players next year.
"It's a big year for the league next year coming up against Ballarat and we'd love to get the same buy-in from the playing group."
The 2008 Hawthorn premiership defender won't play in the BFNL in 2015, but he will retain strong links with Golden Square in a training and development role.
"I'm not 100 per cent what I'm doing playing wise yet,'' Ladson said.
"I'm training with Golden Square and I'll see how the body shapes up.
"Most likely I'll play a few games with Macorna. I'll still have a strong link with Bendigo footy."
Meanwhile, Strathfieldsaye Storm premiership coach Darryl Wilson has been appointed under-18 inter-league coach.
Wilson has previously coached under-16 inter-league squads.
The BFNL under-18 squad didn't play in 2014, but will return next year to take on Ballarat.