The Hoppers announced their new-look coaching structure for 2020 on Thursday night, with Barrett to replace Connor Neyland as co-coach.

Neyland will step down after two years leading Coolamon and Barrett will take on the extra responsibility after an impressive first season at Kindra Park.

The former GWS Giants and Brisbane Lions player is excited by the prospect of his first coaching job.

"I'm very excited," Barrett said.

"It's obviously something I wanted to pursue later on down the track but having Oxy (Maddox) still there, now is a good time to do it and I'm looking forward to it."

Maddox is looking forward to partnering Barrett in the coaching position.

"I'm excited about it, really. It should be good," Maddox said.

"I'm looking forward to learning off Jake, I suppose. It's a good thing for both of us in that we can learn from each other. He can learn from my experience and I'm hoping to learn off his AFL experience.

"We'll see what we both bring to the table."

Barrett, 23, arrived at Coolamon this year after five years in the AFL system, where he managed 23 games.

He has loved his return to country footy at Coolamon.

"It's a great club and I love the set up at the moment with co-coaches and Mitch (Robinson) underneath," he said.

"I've loved it so far. It's a great club and the community have been really welcoming. I'm enjoying my time so far."

Neyland will remain at Coolamon but purely in a playing capacity next season. He has enjoyed the past two seasons but could no longer give the job the commitment it deserves.

"The first year I found a learning curve. It was a battle and a character building year for the young fellas and myself," Neyland said.

"This year has been good. Working with Ox has been good, it's taken a load off, which is good. We picked up a couple of players and the young fellas have stepped up and are doing a good job.

"It's good to see the improvement there has been over the couple of years. I've enjoyed my time."

To complete the Hoppers' set up, Mitch Robinson will remain as coaching coordinator.

Coolamon president Derek Owens believes the future is bright for the club.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm really excited about the future," he said.

"We're really excited to have Jake on board. He brings so much to the table, on and off the field.

"Oxy and he will work in really well together."

After missing finals last year, Coolamon sit in second position ahead of Saturday's trip to face Narrandera with four rounds remaining.

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