Mackie, who played his 150^th match for the Tigers in round 18 last season, will call the shots with Shaun Daly.

“You do a role for so long and you always set your goals to go as high as you possibly can,” Mackie, 30, said.

“I think the timing is spot on to roll into that co-coaching role.

“I’m looking forward to the extra responsibility and working closely with Shauny.”

Mackie has been an assistant-coach to Paul Spargo, Danny Stevens, Chris Hyde, Daniel Maher and Daly since arriving at Albury Sportsground.

Maher is set to play in a country league next year after announcing mid-season that he would be stepping down from the helm at Albury.

Mackie and Daly have known each other since primary school when they played together for NSW in the national championships in Brisbane.

Daly is confident the 2012 Morris Medallist will bring fresh ideas to the position.

“Joel has been assistant-coach since 2011 so he has done a fair apprenticeship and will bring some good energy and workrate to the role,” Daly said.

“We have known each other since I was bashing him in primary school footy so we will work well together.

“Joel and I have both spoken about our young list and how exciting it is.

“We had eight players in the Murray Bushrangers squad and six of those played in their grand final which was easily the most.

“Some of those boys will get drafted and the ones that miss out we would love to develop and help them go to the next level like many others before them.”

Mackie joined Albury in 2009 after starring in a premiership with Jindera and has gone on to become one of the Ovens and Murray’s most decorated players.

He has played in six flags with Albury and made All-Australian.