Maher and Hyde have taken the Ovens and Murray heavyweight into the past two grand finals with club president Gavan Schultz describing their re-appointment as a “no-brainer”.

Maher co-coached with Danny Stevens in 2012 before linking up with Hyde last season.

Only Paul Spargo, Jack Clancy and Jack Jones will have coached Albury for longer than Maher after next season.

“We’re excited to be continuing,” Maher, 33, said last night.

“You coach for premierships and the development of younger players and it’s good to have things sorted out so we can ­really concentrate on this year.

“Everyone is really driven and looking forward to playing finals.”

In another boost for Albury on the eve of the finals, star midfielder Dean Polo has signed on for another two seasons.

Albury will guarantee itself the minor premiership if it defeats Wangaratta at Norm Minns Oval today.

Schultz said Hyde and Maher had worked well together.

“It’s a very good combination,” Schultz said.

“With such a great group of juniors coming through at the moment, we couldn’t ask for two better coaches to be bringing them along.”

Wodonga remains the only Ovens and Murray club openly  looking for a senior coach for next season.

They have sounded out former mentor Jeff Gieschen, although that appears to be a long shot.

LONGEST SERVING ALBURY COACHES

Paul Spargo: 7 years (1994, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2011)

Jack Jones: 5 years (1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959)

Jack Clancy: 5 years (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980)

Michael Buchanan: 4 years (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000)

Tom Doolan: 4 years (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984)

Doug Strang: 4 years (1938, 1939, 1940, 1946)

Daniel Maher: 4 years (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)