Former Leitchville-Gunbower, Cohuna and Echuca midfielder Dylan Friedberger is the new playing coach of HDFNL club Elmore.
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The midfielder joins the Bloods as a rookie coach and replaces Danny Brewster, who led the club for the past three seasons.
Friedberger, 24, said the depth of young talent at the Bloods was a major attraction.
"It's an exciting time for Elmore with a really talented, young list,'' Friedberger said.
"We just need to add a couple of experienced players, not too many, and we're on the verge of making the finals.
"The senior side showed some great improvement this year and the netball teams had a great year, so it's an exciting time to get involved with a club that has a great culture.
"I'm really looking forward to working with the club."
Ruptured ankle ligaments restricted Friedberger to a handful of games this year, but he's confident he'll be 100 per cent fit for the start of the 2020 HDFNL season.
"I don't need surgery and I see my specialist in three weeks where I'll, hopefully, get back to a full-time running program,'' Friedberger said.
"I'd like to slot back into an inside midfield role next year."
Elmore FNC president David Trewick said Friedberger's passion for working with young players was a key aspect for the club.
"Dylan had plenty of enthusiasm for the job,'' Trewick said.
"He's had plenty of experience working with young people through his job (with CVGT) and with his upbeat personality I think he can gel our young talent together.
"He has a professional work ethic and we think he's right for the role."
Trewick said the club was keen to retain Brewster as a player.
"Danny's playing services are still welcomed at our club,'' Trewick said.
"He's been wonderful for the club and won two best and fairests, but being Melbourne-based he was finding it hard to get to the club to coach as much as he'd like."
Elmore won five games in 2019 - four more than 2018 - and finished in seventh place on the ladder.
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