Irlam was announced as the Wolves new coach last month, replacing Daniel Lawrence, who has stepped down after two seasons in the top job to focus on his recovery from a knee injury.

Irlam has been involved at Tolland for 30 years between juniors and seniors in both playing and coaching capacities.

The 45-year-old made a comeback this season and exceeded expectations, spending most of the year in first grade.

He will take a step back to third grade next year to concentrate on coaching and managing Tolland's first and second grade squads.

In what will be his first foray into senior coaching, after an extensive junior background, Irlam is determined to lead Tolland back up the Pascoe Cup ladder in 2020.

"Obviously coming off the year we had before that, this year we didn't reach the heights anyone expected, and that was for lots of reasons," Irlam said.

"This is without knowing who we're going to end up with but I'm really aiming to play finals footy next season. I don't think we should be aiming for anything less than that."

Irlam is looking forward to taking on the job.

"I'm really starting fresh in the senior coaching space but I'm looking forward to it, with a bit of trepidation as well," he said.

"I got to know the guys really well this season and I feel pretty enthused with where we're at and where we're going to start next season."

Irlam is confident of retaining the bulk of Tolland's playing list and is keen to add some new faces when pre-season gets underway at Kessler Park on January 13.

Aaron Harley will assist Irlam in the top two grades, while Ben Leak and Thomas Emery have taken the third grade coaching job.

Flo Wilson and Dave Antill return as women's coaches for first and second grade.

It has been a time of change at Tolland with Maurice Hogan stepping down as president after seven years in the position.

Luke Wilson was elected the new president with Bernie Blake also moving into the senior vice-president role.

The club is looking to strengthen relationships across the board.

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