Hawkins has signed an initial one-year deal as playing coach at the Upper Murray league club after taking over from Kade Butters, who will remain at the Magpies as a player.

Border-Walwa finished fourth last season and lost its elimination final to eventual grand finalist Cudgewa by just four points.

Defender Hawkins said he hoped the Magpies improved on their win-loss record of 8-7.

“When you are playing Upper Murray footy you have to want to make finals,” he said.

“When you get there it’s an open field.

“We haven’t confirmed any losses.

“We will welcome back a couple of players and we’ve picked up a couple of blokes like Matthew Smith and Mark Fabris from Wodonga Saints and are speaking to a few players.”

Hawkins has played at the club for the past two seasons and spent about a decade at the Tallangatta League’s Wodonga Saints.

He said he was looking forward to the added responsibility of coaching.

“I think it’s a good challenge,” Hawkins said.

“Kade still being there will allow me to bounce a lot of things off him.”

The Magpies start pre-season on January 24 at St Monica’s Primary School in Wodonga and have a meet-the-coaches day on January 22 from 1pm at the Star Hotel in Albury.