Harding was announced as Ben Hollands’ successor yesterday and plans to meet players immediately to put goals and standards into place for next season.

“It’s a massive job,” Harding said.

“But the main thing that probably ticked it off for me was the support from the people around the place who are happy to dig in and turn the club around.

“We understand how big the job is.”

The former Fitzroy player has been an assistant coach at John Flower Oval for seven seasons under Jarrod Twitt and Ben Hollands and is a former Wodonga under-18 coach.

He also led Rutherglen in its first season in the Tallangatta and District league in 2004.

Harding, who will be assisted by John Pratt, said he felt the time was right to re-enter the coaching ranks.

“The opportunity came up and the support was there to do it,” he said.

“The guys have been talking to me about the job but to be honest I didn’t apply until Tuesday night.

“The passion is there.

“I got here in 1994 and have only been away for one year when I coached Rutherglen.

“I think because I retired at 28 due to injury I have always wanted to stay involved.”

Harding played 80 matches for Wodonga, 20 with Wangaratta Rovers and 19 at Fitzroy before chronic hamstring problems forced him to retire in 2002.

The Bulldogs have won the wooden spoon in two of the past four seasons, with Harding conceding they had a lot of work to do on and off the field.

“We have to get better — it’s happened quickly but I’m looking forward to hooking into it,” he said.

Wodonga president Richard Bence said Harding was a strong leader.

“Dean brings a wealth of coaching experience with him and in addition to this he has demonstrated strength in being able to mentor players and coaches,” Bence said.

“Dean has had a significant influence in the senior coaching panel over the past seven years and is respected by current and past players for knowledge, his ability to develop players and set critical agendas for success in football.”