In a swift return to the Tallangatta league coaching ranks, the former Rutherglen mentor — who coached the Cats for four seasons — has taken the helm of the Tigers after just one year in the coaching wilderness.

Sarau, who spoke to a number of Ovens and Murray clubs about a coaching role prior to his appointment, said there was a simple reason for his return.

“I miss coaching enormously,” Sarau said.

“I thought the fire had burnt out after I finished at Rutherglen but it has been simmering all year.

“It’s a great opportunity to coach a club that’s heading in the right direction.

“It was a good fit.”

Sarau, who has lived in the Barnawartha area for the past five years, said he was hoping to help the Tigers — who bowed out in the semi-final’s this year — take the next step.

Outgoing coach Danny De Marte will remain as a player.

“The club has a terrific list,” said Sarau, who did the running and match-ups under Grant Thomas at St Kilda for two years after a VFL career.

“It’s a very much a local club, in a growing area.

“Hopefully I can add something that helps the club take that next step.

“You don’t want to come in beating your chest but I thought I did a pretty reasonable job at Rutherglen.

“We didn’t have anywhere near the calibre of players that I’ll have here.

“I had the utmost respect for Danny as a coach and player when I was at Rutherglen.

“He’ll be a fairly important resource for me during that initial period.”

Tigers’ president Chris Peirce said Sarau would bring plenty to the club.

“He’s got a lot of experience, for us, the opportunity was too good to pass up,” Peirce said.

In a further boost for Barnawartha, the town has recently received funding to complete a $1.3 million building that will function as the town’s combined sports, medical and community centre.