Hibberson has played for the Swans for three of the last four years, before getting the nod for his first senior coaching opportunity.

The playing coach will be assisted by Gerard Midson, who joins Federal after two years as the reserves mentor at Rutherglen.

“I’m keen to get started and the plan is to try and blood a few young kids through,” Hibberson said.

“We got some younger guys through last season, but it’s a bit of a double-edge sword because you want to see the better guys come into town to play.”

He added there has been a lot of interest from the young brigade ahead of next season.

“We’re going to pair them up so they can work together on their skills and fitness,” Hibberson said.

“Most of the team won’t start training until February, but if they want to train we’re not going to stop them.”

Federal president Craig Sheather said the club had received interest in the coach’s position, but was pleased to be able to appoint someone from within the ranks.

He added despite losing premiership coach Jack Neil and key big man Brent Ohlin, the club is hungry for further success in 2017.

“They are our only losses to date and we are confident of signing five or six players soon,” Sheather added.

“We got nine football and netball teams in grand finals this year so the benchmark for 2017 has to be set at 10.”

The club is hosting a ‘meet and greet’ and light training session this Sunday at the clubrooms to formally welcome Hibberson to the role.

A reserves coach and a number of new recruits are set to be announced in the coming weeks.