Schneider originally joined the Giants as coach of their NEAFL side in 2018.

He was elevated to an assistant coach, focusing on the defence at the Giants this year and had a contract for 2022.

But in a bombshell decision, Schneider will instead coach Lavington next year in the biggest story of the off-season so far.

Schneider joining the Panthers trump's Myrtleford's coup of luring premiership coach Simon Curtis to McNamara Reserve.

He said the opportunity to raise his young family of three children in the country was a major reason behind his decision to join Lavington.

"It was a tough decision to make and the opportunity more or less popped up out of nowhere," Schneider said.

"I've been involved in the AFL industry for two decades now and it's something that I have loved doing.

"I've learnt a lot over the journey but I felt the time was right to try something new.

"After initially speaking to Lavington and having a bit of a think, I realised it was an exciting opportunity and now I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"Living is Sydney, it's a rat race and an expensive city to live in. It makes it tough trying to raise a family.

"Growing up in the country at Osborne, I know what it was like as a kid. I want my kids to enjoy the same experiences and I'm looking forward to the change."

Schneider recently travelled to Lavington to see first hand the facilities during the coaching negotiations.

He said he couldn't help but be impressed by the $19.6 million redevelopment.

"The facilities are fantastic and I couldn't help but be impressed," he said.

"Hopefully it's enticing for recruits as well to play and train at a first-rate facility the equal of any in a regional city."

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Schneider's appointment bolsters the O&M coaching stocks which arguably have never been stronger.

He joins Daryn Cresswell and Peter German as coaches who have both played and coached at the elite level.

Luke Norman, Ben Reid, Anthony Miles and Mark Whiley also boast AFL experience as players.

Schneider said it was a credit to the competition to be able to attract so many big names.

"I've always considered the O&M as a high standard of football so it's no surprise to see the calibre of coaches in the competition," he said.

"It not only raises the profile of the competition but is good for the development of the young players in the competition to play under some highly credentialled coaches.

"It's been a proven pathway in the past that talented kids in the O&M can go on and play AFL which is obviously also good for the competition."

Schneider hopes to relocate to Albury early in the new year to start pre-season

He is excited by the prospect of developing the Panthers' outstanding crop of junior talent.

"The thing that excites me most about the list is the kids coming through the junior ranks," Schneider said.

"Lavington has got a strong senior core of players but I think a really important part of football is to promote the kids.

"I can't wait to get to the club and start working with them."

Schneider retired at the end of 2015 after 228 matches including the Sydney Swans' 2005 flag triumph.

For the first time in more than two decades, Schneider has found employment outside the AFL after accepting a role with Boys from the Bush.

"It's a role which involves mentoring and coaching young kids which is something that I'm passionate about," Schneider said.

"Being able to get a job like that was a big drawcard."

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