Leslie has made the mid-season call to give the Hoppers time to recruit a well-credentialed playing coach to assist Clinton Gilson.

The NSW and Victoria Country representative will remain at Bunton Park as a player.

“It was Dan’s decision as we were really keen for him to go again but I think he thought the club could use the position as a really good recruiting tool,” Gilson said.

“We’re looking to get someone in who is a good player and can bring two or three players with him.

“It’s a different recruiting angle I suppose and, unlike this year, we have some time to get really well organised.”

Gilson said North Albury would explore all options with the focus being on the Melbourne area.

Leslie and Gilson took over as co-coaches in January after Brownlow medallist Jason Akermanis stepped down from the top position.

They have the Hoppers sitting in eighth spot on the ladder with a 2-8 win-loss record.

Gilson said player retention was crucial.

“The club has re-signed 15 players with 10 on two-year contracts,” he said.

“We have had a big turnover of players over the past few seasons so it’s important to get that commitment early.”

North Albury has also made no secret of the fact that it will target former players with Nick and Kris Holman and Adam Elias likely to be on the radar.

The Hoppers will look to continue its improved recent form against Myrtleford at Bunton Park on Saturday.

Since being embarrassed by Wangaratta earlier this month, the Hoppers have been respectable in 42 and 26-point losses to Wodonga and Wodonga Raiders.

“It was terrible against Wang but since then we have been a lot better,” Gilson said.

“Hopefully we can bring the same sort of effort against Myrtleford.”