TALLANGATTA has lured Wodonga utility Jack Russell back to the club as assistant coach.
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He will be reunited with Hoppers coach Tyson Smith after the pair played together in the 2009 flag triumph over Beechworth.
Russell's younger brother, Tom, is also at the Hoppers and plays in defence.
"I'm really looking forward to it and have been good mates with Tyson Smith for a long time," Russell said.
"We played all our junior footy together at Wodonga.
"We won two flags in Wodonga thirds as well as one in the seconds.
"We won a senior flag at Tallangatta in 2009 and after three years I came back to Wodonga.
"Tom has been out there for a fair while now and has been captain for the last five years.
"My girlfriend has also played netball out there for a long time so it should be good."
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Russell has notched almost 150 matches with the Bulldogs including 14 this season.
The versatile tall was forced to shoulder the ruck load for most of this season after injuries hit the kennel.
Russell paid credit to the Hoppers on making the finals after Smith replaced Sam Livingstone as coach in late November.
"I don't think many people gave them a chance of making finals after Tyson took over and considering how late it was," he said.
"They bounced back really well and put an emphasis on some talented juniors and developing them.
"The kids really thrived and will only be better for the experience next season.
"The younger guys out there like Hamish O'Brien, Bailey McKimmie and Jake Maddock are really skillful."
The odds of winning were stacked against the Hoppers after key forwards Kaine Parsons and James Breen were forced to miss with injury.
"I think with Tyson coaching again and not taking over late in the pre-season will make a huge difference," he said.
"He will be able to have a real crack.
"Have the pre-season organised and also have a crack at getting a few more recruits."
Russell said he was happy to play whatever role was necessary next season.
"I'll play wherever they need me," he said.
"I'm not going out there expecting to set the world on fire. I will just play my role."
