Junee are still committed to playing first grade in Group Nine after unveiling a new coaching structure.
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With Trent Schubach stepping down after two seasons at the helm, Hayden Cowled will come into the role.
Simon Wilson will be his assistant.
The club finalised their approach at a meeting on Wednesday night.
Cowled was set to be Cootamundra's co-coach in 2020 before the Bulldogs withdrew due to coronavirus concerns.
He linked with the Diesels instead for the shortened season.
However with Cootamundra heading into the George Tooke Shield the former representative forward elected to remain with Junee.
Group Nine president Peter McDermott, who is from Junee, believes it is a good sign for the club's future.
"They were struggling to get someone so it is good they've finally signed someone," McDermott said.
"I'm pretty sure Hayden was going to play with Junee regardless, he didn't want to follow Cootamundra into the Tooke Shield.
"Hopefully now that they have been named a few of the locals will come out and commit to playing.
"It is a bit of a catch 22 as the locals wouldn't commit as they didn't have a coach but it is very hard to get a coach when you have no locals."
The potential for Junee not to enter a first grade outfit was brought up at the Group Nine annual general meeting last month.
However there has been no further nor formal discussions since then.
"I think they will be right, they may not be too competitive but who knows what they are going to be getting as long as they survive," McDermott said.
"The thought is they will still get a first grade team."
Concerningly the Diesels had a small turn out to their players meeting last week but they club are expecting an influx of players linked with the abattoirs to start arriving in the next fortnight.
Junee also locked in Tom Diggins and Jone Sariri to look after their reserve grade outfit.
Michael Diggins will coach leaguetag and Peter McCarthy will continue to coach their successful Sullivan Cup side as they progress to the Weissel Cup.
Former president Simon Vanzanten will assist him.
Concerns over Junee's involvement did put the Group Nine draw on ice.
However the 18-week season will start on April 10 with the grand final to be held on September 26.
With Cowled and Wilson locked in there are now only two vacant Group Nine coaching positions with Brothers and Kangaroos yet to fill their roles.
Courtney Rees
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
