After sitting out of football for the past 12 months, Sheather signed as non-playing coach of the Bulldogs after Leigh McGlynn stepped down at the end of the season.

The former Albury premiership player said yesterday the timing felt right to try his hand in the coaching box.

“Things just seem to have fallen into place,” Sheather said.

“It’s worked out well.

“I know a lot of people at Thurgoona and it’s nice and close to town so it was a pretty appealing job.

“They have been a good club and have obviously gone very close in the past two years by making the grand final.”

Sheather played a handful of matches for Culcairn in 2011 and achieved a career-long dream of playing in an Albury premiership in 2009 when the Tigers were undefeated.

He won the Murray Bushrangers best and fairest earlier in his career and spent time on Carlton’s supplementary list in 1996.

Sheather also had stints at Williamstown and Coburg.

“We’re very happy to appoint a person of the quality and football knowledge of Jason to lead our club next season,” Thurgoona president Tony Way said.

“He brings experience from O and M, VFL and AFL to our club and will be a terrific help to our players.

“I think he will continue the good work of outgoing coach Leigh McGlynn, who led the club to two grand final appearances in the past two years.”

Thurgoona, who has lost the last two grand finals against Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Mitta United, is confident of keeping its list together and is expected to top up with several Ovens and Murray players.