Chad is Lions’ man

Hamblin will return from a two-year stint in Queensland and take on his first coaching role with the Hume League powerhouse.

Hamblin won three premierships with his home club Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong in the Riverina Football League, before he crossed over to Collingullie-Ashmont-Kapooka for three more grand final successes.

The 26-year-old moved to Queensland two years ago to pursue a business opportunity and spent this season with South East Queensland club Kedron under former teammate James Debono.

Culcairn president Andrew Godde said the club was thrilled to secure the services of Hamblin.

“We’re pretty excited,” Godde said.

“He comes with a lot of experience in finals, three premierships with Ganmain and three premierships at Collingullie.

“Basically, we need a bit of an overhaul at the club so it’s good to get someone from an outside league.

“He’s keen and that’s what we like about him.

“He’s a fitness instructor and he’s keen on fitness and training.”

GGGM premiership player Kirk Hamblin will link with his brother Chad at Culcairn.

Hamblin hopes to lure some former teammates to join him at Culcairn as the club goes through a minor rebuild.

Culcairn champion Graham Fruean has indicated he will retire while key duo Luke Taylor and Brendan Mitchell will miss next season while on an overseas holiday.

Hamblin will be a big on-field addition if his finds the form he displayed in his last season at CAK.

Hamblin won the Demons’ best-and-fairest and also took out the best-on-ground medal in the club’s premiership win.

He replaces Chris Willis in the top job.

Hamblin plans to visit later in the month where he will meet his new teammates.

Culcairn made finals this season under Willis but bowed out in the first week with an eight-point loss to Holbrook.