The Werribee star this week finalised terms to take over from Sanson at the end of the season after being headhunted by the Ovens and Murray league club.

Saker, who has signed a two-year deal, will be unveiled by the Panthers at Lavington Oval today.

“I got a phone call out of the blue from Peter Barwick and he raised the idea of coaching which is something I wanted to do but not something I thought I’d do at this stage of my career,” the 22-year-old revealed yesterday.

“They presented very well, very professionally which is what excited me.

“I basically couldn’t say no.

“The whole club the way they presented seems like the right fit for me.

“They have a very strong list and a really good culture at the club.

“That definitely helped my decision.”

Benalla-raised Saker will see out the season with the VFL Tigers before relocating to the Border in November or December.

He has big shoes to fill replacing Sanson, who has been part of the furniture at Lavington Oval for more than a decade and has the Panthers on track for a tilt at this year’s flag.

Saker, who is believed to be the youngest coach in the O and M since Keith Williams led Rutherglen as a 22-year-old in 1949, said Sanson had indicated he was unlikely to have an official role in the football department next season.

“I’ve spoken with him about it,” Saker said.

“The only real thing he has stated to me is his passion for the club.

“He probably won’t have a hands-on role but he is someone I’ll probably use away from the club.

“I’d be silly not to use his knowledge and experience.”

Former Murray Bushrangers defender Saker, who has played with Myles Aalbers and Luke Garland, said he would start recruiting at the end of the season.

“I haven’t begun formal discussions with players,” Saker said.