Incumbent Brooke Brown has been appointed to the equivalent position with NAB League rival the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in Ballarat.

Brown took over the Pioneers' role from Steve Sharp 12 months ago after previously working for the Rebels in a range of positions.

"I had been with the Rebels for nine years...so if the opportunity ever arose I was always more than likely to have a good look at it,'' Brown said on Friday.

"When the opportunity did come up I thought I mightn't get that chance again, so there was a great pull to go back to the region that gave me a start in elite pathway footy."

Brown said the decision to depart Bendigo after 12 months was a tough one.

"I have loved every moment of it and that's been the hardest thing I've had to deal with in saying goodbye to a region I've well and truly fallen in love with,'' Brown said.

"The kids are nothing short of outstanding. The staff and the families have been so wonderful to me.

"I told the players last night that they'd always have a piece of my heart and the Pioneers will always be a part of my journey.

"I'm excited to see what they provide in 2022 and beyond because there's some outstanding talent in this region.

"I'm excited, but it's also a sad time because they've given me so much professionally and personally."

Brown's contract with the Pioneers concludes on November 1.

"I've made an arrangement with the NAB League that I'll mentor whoever takes over the position here,'' Brown said.

"I'll stay as long as the program needs me to help with a smooth transition.

"These kids have been through a lot over the last two years - losing a coach, gaining a new coach, a complete transformation of the NAB League - in order we have a smooth transition I'll ensure the next talent ops person is ready to go.

"It looks like they'll advertise that position early next week and then there'll be a process with that over the next month."

Brown paid tribute to the job Danny O'Bree did in his first season as head coach.

"Danny has been nothing short of amazing and I can't thank him enough for everything he has done," Brown said.

The Pioneers have returned to training in the hope they'll get to play up to two more matches against country NAB League rivals in early October.

A final decision on those matches is expected in the next fortnight.

Read more: Catch up on all the latest NAB League news

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