In an unusual circumstance, McPherson was previously playing coach of the Demons in 2008-09 and non-playing for one season in 2019.

McPherson said he was happy to answer the club's SOS call after it struggled to find a suitable replacement for Mitch Carroll who announced he was stepping down in August.

"I guess it's fairly rare for somebody to coach a club on three separate occasions," McPherson said.

"I'm a Ganmain boy but my wife is originally from Lockhart where she was born and bred and I have spent a fair amount of time in the town.

"Obviously the club has been looking for a suitable coach for a while and nothing popped up.

"I just said to the club a while ago that if they couldn't find anyone, I would be happy to put my hand up and go again if they wanted to go down that path.

"I would hate to see the club left in an unfortunate predicament so I'm going around for a third time."

Lockhart recruiting manager Ian Pertzel said McPherson was among the most respected players in the Riverina after a glittering career with Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong and the Demons.

McPherson was a four-time premiership player and captain of his home club and an Azzi medallist and club best and fairest winner with the Demons.

"Nathan is one of the most well-respected former players at our club and I guess you could say the Riverina for that matter," Pertzel said.

"He stuck his hand up to help us out when we couldn't find anyone else suitable, which speaks volumes about his character.

"To be honest, Nathan is as good as, if not better than most candidates anyway with his experience and leadership qualities.

"That's just not my opinion but I know the whole club feels the same way.

"Everybody is pretty happy to have him on board, that's for sure, even though it may be for the third time."

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The Demons were one of the biggest improvers in the competition last year and were firmly in the finals mix with a 9-7 record before COVID caused a premature end to the season.

However, the club has so far endured a tumultuous off-season.

Best and fairest winner Jordan Harrington headlines the departures.

Blake Jones, Andrew Emery, Jesse Margosis and Alex Smith have also found new homes.

McPherson didn't sugarcoat the losses.

"It's no secret that we have lost a truckload of players," McPherson said.

"But I'll pin my faith in the kids and try to fast-track their development as much as we can.

"Ideally we can recruit a few experienced players to put some older heads around the kids to help their development for 12-months and help take the club forward."

The appointment of McPherson completes the Hume league coaching jigsaw puzzle for this season.

President Bob Mathews has stepped down and been replaced by co-presidents Abe Wooden and Dean Hannon.

Mathews will remain involved with the club.

The Demons travel to Howlong for round one.