And in a further boost to the Cats, former Wangaratta premiership player Nathan Waite has signed on as an assistant-coach.

Jacka described the appointments as “the perfect fit” for the club.

“They are both really enthusiastic about being involved at Rutherglen and it’s great to have a plan in place for next season,” Jacka said.

“’Damo’ wanted to get into coaching without doing it by himself this year and Nathan has bought a house in Rutherglen after coaching out at Moyhu for the past two seasons.

“I will be having some surgery (for cancer) in November so I’ll be out for action for a little while and I just think the arrangement allows us to spread the workload really well.

“After coaching for a couple of years, it will be good to have some fresh ideas and voices involved as well.”

Wilson, 21, was one of the premier players in the Hume league this year after playing almost 50 senior matches for Ovens and Murray club Corowa-Rutherglen.

Waite is set to add another dimension to Rutherglen’s attack and midfield after kicking 17, nine, 26, 53, 31 and 46 goals for Moyhu in the past six seasons.

He has coached the Ovens and King league club for the past two years and won the league’s Baker Medal in 2011.

“I think we have added a couple of leaders and given the club some direction going forward,” Jacka said.

“We wanted to extend our midfield run as we got beaten in there during the finals and needed to add some quality.

“To get a couple of guys this early, as well as hopefully a few more, puts us in a pretty good position.”

Rutherglen, who has made the finals for the past two seasons under Jacka, is confident of keeping its list together.

Full-forward Bobby Griffiths’ playing future could depend on employment opportunities while several Cat veterans are considering retiring.