He will replace co-coaches Brent Piltz and Jamarl O’Sullivan less than a week after the pair guided the Swampies to a drought-breaking flag against Rand-Walbundrie.

Gaynor, 27, co-coached Wagga Tigers with Damien Papworth in 2010 and has spent the past three seasons at the Albury Sportsground.

“Ever since coaching in 2010 I always knew I wanted to coach again at some stage,” Gaynor said.

“But I felt I needed to learn a lot more from different senior players and coaches and that’s why I went to Albury.”

Gaynor was the hard-luck story of the 2012 grand final loss against Yarrawonga when he missed the decider due to an infection after suffering a shoulder injury in the preliminary final.

The hard-at-it defender played in the Tigers’ second grand final loss to the Pigeons the following year.

Gaynor was part of the Albury reserves flag triumph on Sunday after managing four senior games for the season.

“I had two fairly consistent seasons but, with such a strong side this year, found myself on the outer,” he said.

“But that is the sign of a strong club and had nothing to do with me coaching next year.”

Gaynor had several offers from district clubs but it was the Swampies who emerged with the prized signature after he previously played with Shannon Terlich and Simon Hillier at Wagga Tigers.

“I have played and lived with Shannon Terlich and played with Simon Hillier as well,” he said.

“So having a few mates at Henty and knowing a fair few people involved in the club made my decision an easy one.”

Gaynor said his first priority will be to retain as much of the premiership list as possible.

Veteran forward Jason Brown is the only confirmed loss after announcing his retirement.

“It’s a unique position to be taking over as coach of the reigning premier,” he said.

“My first priority is to try to keep as much of the list together as I can.

“From initial talks, the group is pretty keen to stick together and have a crack at going back-to-back.

“Brent and Jamarl are going to stay on and play again, which should only help keep the group together.”