CHILTERN co-coach Ash Van Klaveren believes a playing stint under Daryn Cresswell will stand him in good stead as a rookie coach.
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Van Klaveren has replaced Rick Whitehead as co-coach of his home club, returning to Chiltern last year after two seasons under Cresswell.
He was an assistant coach last season with Whitehead and Luke Brookes co-coaches.
The trio were instrumental in the Swans surging up the ladder from tenth to second before being bundled out of the finals series in straight sets.
"I've always had coaching ambitions and I feel privileged to be able to coach my home club," Van Klaveren said.
"I feel playing under Cresswell for two years at Wodonga Raiders was not only beneficial for my development as a footballer but I also learnt so much more about the game.
"Creswell's record speaks for itself and just his professionalism and preparation is second to none.
"I enjoyed being an assistant last year and gained some valuable experience.
"But it's opened the door for me to coach and I jumped at the opportunity."
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Van Klaveren notched eight senior matches in his two seasons at Birralee Park.
The creative defender missed a large chunk of last season after injuring his shoulder against Tallangatta in round 7.
He returned for the Swans final round encounter also against Tallangatta and was part of their finals losses against Barnawartha and Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
"I was always going to come back to Chiltern after having a crack at O&M," he said.
"I enjoyed being back at my home club but it was disappointing to get injured and miss a bit of footy.
"As most players know, it's frustrating watching from the sidelines.
"We ended up getting on a bit of a roll in the second-half of the season and I was wondering if I would get my spot back in the side.
"That first final against Barnawartha was very physical and both sides were a bit battered and bruised.
"We then lost against Kiewa-Sandy Creek which was disappointing but we have got a young list and the experience will be invaluable going forward."
After booting 131 goals, Van Klaveren conceded Whitehead would leave a gaping hole in the Swans' forward half.
Van Klaveren said the absence of Whitehead would make last year's finalists a lot more unpredictable for opposition defences.
"I think we have recruited well and have got a few more talls which will help cover the loss of Rick," he said.
"Keeping our departures to a bare minimum is a massive bonus.
"Losing in straight sets last year fuels your hunger.
"A lot of the boys have come back to training in decent nick and are motivated.
"Our aim is to make finals again and try and improve."