That is why the SEABL stalwart will be back at the helm of the Bendigo Braves for the next two seasons.

Harvey's re-signing as coach comes about a month after the Braves comprehensively outplayed long-time rivals Mount Gambier to clinch their first national championship since 2005.

The three-time championship player, who has coached the Braves since late 2009, said the decision to coach on was an easy one.

"Coming off a great year, sometimes you think 'is this the time to hang the boots', but I still think I have plenty to offer," he said.

"I am still passionate about the club; this club is  a powerhouse club in the country.

"Knowing what they do development-wise, I want to be part of that."

The 2017 season will be Harvey's eighth as coach and 15th overall with the Braves.

With his re-signing out of the way, attention will turn quickly to putting together another championship contender.

While gun import Damian Johnson has called time on his SEABL career, Harvey has not given up on luring last season's league most valuable player winner Jeremy Kendle back for a second season.

Enticing point guard Kevin White, who is playing with the NBL's Illawarra Hawks, also remains a priority.

In positive news for the Braves, co-captain Chris Hogan looks set to play on after one of his best SEABL seasons of his long career.

Equally important for Harvey is retaining his championship coaching staff.

"I thought our coaching staff was very good this year, " he said.

"Michael Gibbons was fantastic, not only statistically but with his video analysis, and Patrick Jennings, who was part of our 2005 championship, was one of mentor coaches, which we have never had before.

"Then there is our team managers - they are all important and as a coach you want everyone back."

Harvey was confident no matter what line-up the Braves took to the floor with, they would have no problems dealing with the expectations that come along with being the defending champions.

If anything, he felt the "monkey was off the back" of the club after falling desperately short of national honours on several occasions during his reign.

"I feel the pressure is off - you probably won't see that in the way that I coach, that won't be any different," he said.

"But it's a massive release for myself and all the other guys, so to be honest, I feel the pressure is off a little.

"To win that national championship, it was long overdue, but it was well deserved."