The star Bulldog midfielder will replace Peter Copley in the top job as the club attempts to build on last season’s maiden TDFL premiership.

“Jayden’s a natural leader and I think he will slot in nicely,” O’Sullivan said.

“He enjoyed his footy this year and played some unbelievable football in his first season at the club.

“It’s exciting for everyone to have him stepping back into coaching.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with him as we both know there will be challenges ahead after winning a premiership.”

Thurgoona is set to remain a formidable force with the Bulldogs expecting to “retain 85 to 90 per cent” of its premiership list.

Kotzur is no stranger to coaching after leading Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong for three years in the Riverina league.

He and O’Sullivan were teammates at Albury.

“Jayden was involved a bit last season and was really good with young blokes like Benny Lloyd and Luke Gerecke,” he said.

“He’s coached before and, like myself, learnt a lot from people like Paul Spargo and Luke Carroll during our time at Albury.”

Copley’s departure looks set to end a glittering coaching career.

As well as coaching the Bulldogs to glory, he also tasted the ultimate success with Mitta United (twice) and traditional rivals Holbrook and Culcairn.

Copley also coached Wodonga Raiders into the finals.

“’Copes’ is 100 per cent when he does something and he lives and breathes footy,” O’Sullivan said.

“His knowledge and the effort he put in each week was a credit to him.”

Thurgoona, who defeated Mitta United by 60 points in the grand final, is in the process of locking down its list.

Lloyd has attracted the attention of several Ovens and Murray clubs after finishing behind Kotzur in the club’s best and fairest count.

“The indications are most of the group will stay together,” O’Sullivan said.

“It’s a close group.”

The Bulldogs had their best season since entering the TDFL by taking out the senior football premiership and A and B grade and 18-and-13-and-under netball divisions.

Mitta United and Tallangatta are in the market for senior coaches after Simon Hillier and Zac Fulford stepped down from their posts.