Matthews, a vital cog in Lake Albert's midfield, will give the Sharks coaching staff a different set of eyes in their quest to wrest the Pascoe Cup from Hanwood, who won a thrilling grand final 2-1 in their return to the Wagga fold.

Defender Ben Mavor, who ruptured his ACL during the grand final, will also fill an assistant role on game day, as well as returning as women's coach.

"It (keeping Matthews) was crucial really, he was vital to everything we did in the middle of the park and a lot of our play goes through him," Tinnock said.

"He's only 22 but he's the most mature 22-year-old I've seen. He's very dedicated, is always at training and has turned into a leader.

"I thought he'd be a good choice (as assistant) and it will be good to bounce some ideas off him."

Tinnock expects the Sharks to field a similar squad to last year and is more confident of taking on Hanwood now they're a known entity.

"We haven't really been chasing anyone, we're pretty happy with our squad. We've got plenty of depth after making grand finals in the first three grades," Tinnock said.

"We realise they (Hanwood) are a great side but not unbeatable, you just have to back yourself."