The star midfielder took the Swans to the preliminary final in his first season as coach of the Tallangatta and District league club.

He edged out Bright’s Regan Alexander and Tallangatta’s Zac Fulford for the top honour in the senior division at the presentation ceremony at Albury’s Commercial Club on Monday night.

Doolan, who enjoyed a decorated career with Wodonga Raiders, said he had enjoyed his foray into the coaching ranks after joining Chiltern as a player in 2014.

“I think we had a pretty good season,” Doolan said.

“Hopefully we can go further next season.”

Chiltern bowed out of the TDFL premiership race with an 85-point loss to Kiewa-Sandy Creek at Sandy Creek on Saturday.

In the youth division, Lavington’s Anthony Ross won the top honour from Yarrawonga’s Ross Muquiney, North Albury’s Rod Heriot and Thurgoona’s Daniel Cleary.

Ross guided the Panthers to the Albury-Wodonga Junior Football League under-16 premiership.

Tigers coach Hayden Sharp took out the junior award ahead of Corowa’s Daryl Bush and Magpies’ Darren Bell.

Benalla’s Jack Gall was successful in the Auskick from Yarrawonga’s Matt Stephens, Wangaratta’s Ross Moore and Wangaratta’s Mark Ormond.

Former Hawthorn star Peter Knights was the guest speaker at Monday night’s function, with about 160 people attending.

AFL North East Border Coaches Association secretary and football development manager Jeff Chandler said he was pleased with the quality of the nominations received.

“We have had unprecedented interest in the Coach of the Year Awards this season which has been enhanced by the ongoing education seminars provided throughout the year,” Chandler said.

“The four divisions were all very tightly contested.

“A lot of tough decisions needed to be made.”

In the netball, Thurgoona’s Zanelle Gerecke took out the senior award.

Glenrowan’s Sharon De La Rue, Cudgewa’s Kirby Nankervis and Pauline Hillier, King Valley’s Stacey O’Brien and Greta’s Heather Harding and Rebecca Duryea were also nominated.

Barnawartha’s Jodie House took out the youth award from Kiewa-Sandy Creek’s Jo Allsop, Greta’s Lindsey Humphries, Wangaratta Rovers’ Michelle Caruso and the Hume league’s Emily Bush.