The Two Blues are desperate to make a statement after finishing with two wins and two wooden spoons in since returning two years ago.

Jackson replaces Will Overs – who stays on as a player and vice-president – and comes after the club signed four experienced players from Canberra. 

“It’s exciting, I can’t wait to get into it,” Jackson said.

“I’ve been pretty impressed with them, their attack on the ball. They were pretty competitive last year and to add (four) quality players, and we’re working on a couple of others… I think we’ll be more than competitive.”

Jackson has had two seasons at the neighbouring Northern Jets, where he was sole coach in 2015 and then shared the duties with Sam Fisher this year.

The former Geelong forward had been expecting to have a year off but once again finds himself focussed on the Farrer League.

He’s been impressed by the support for the Two Blues despite two tough years and wants to play a part in repaying the community’s faith in its football team.

“I’m not one for saying we’ve to win this amount of games, you’ve just got to get the club firing,” he said.

“We've got to get competitive to start with. We’ll see who we end up, and come up with a bit of a game plan. As long as we get off to a good start, we’ll see how we go.”

Barellan president Jeff Mickan said the club was delighted to secure Jackson.

“It’s a big relief and we’re also quite pleased to have the calibre of someone like Jacko,” Mickan said. 

“I think it will be a good fit, with his knowledge and experience. And he was a good player which I think helps as a coach.”

Barellan are also hoping to sign a secure a playing assistant coach before kicking off their pre-season next month.

Jackson’s appointment completes the league’s coaching line-up, with just three clubs – East Wagga-Kooringal, North Wagga and CSU – heading into 2017 without a change.