ISAAC Muller has re-signed as coach of North Albury for next season.
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Speculation was rife that the Hoppers were keen to appoint co-coaches to help ease the burden on their rookie coach.
But the league's youngest mentor will coach outright again next year.
Muller, 22, said he was humbled by the reappointment.
"I'm grateful that North Albury have shown faith in me and I have the opportunity to coach for a second year," Muller said.
"It's very humbling to be given the opportunity again at my age.
"I feel that I have developed a close bond with the playing group and they are the main motivation for me wanting to coach again.
"With the amount of scrutiny that I've been copping, it's satisfying to silence the doubters to a degree.
"The players have a lot more confidence in the system and in the club.
"We are in a really good position at the moment and the next step is to challenge for a finals berth."
IN OTHER NEWS
Muller replaced co-coaches Chris Schmidt and Clinton Gilson at the helm.
The Hoppers endured a tumultuous summer with Schmidt, Shaun Mannagh and Lachie Taylor-Nugent departing Bunton Park.
Champion veteran Dan Leslie also joined Henty after reaching the 300-match milestone.
With the departures, Muller was handed the youngest list in the league.
That prompted many pundits to predict a winless season for the Hoppers.
But the Hoppers have been able to defy their critics to notch three wins and avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
"I think every single person in the media said we wouldn't win a game," Muller said.
"But we have won three and and rate ourselves a chance of adding to that tally with two rounds remaining."
The Hoppers have had more than 20 debutantes this season which Muller rated as one of the biggest positives in regards to the future.
"I'm a big advocate for personal development and to get so many kids through the system and to play senior O&M football has been a huge positive," he said.
"Any young players who put in the work will be rewarded with senior opportunities."
Hoppers president, Tony Burns, said Muller had laid the foundations for the club to improve further next season.
"We look forward to seeing the development of our young list," Burns said.
"We have identified that Isaac needs more support and will be working closely with him in that regard."
Meanwhile Hopper Bradley Spurr has accepted a two match set penalty for intentionally or carelessly engaging in rough conduct against Lavington last weekend.
