Midson, who guided the Swans into the elimination and grand finals in 2017 and 2018, will take over from Brent Ohlin.

Ohlin has been appointed coach of Wodonga Raiders' reserves.

"My intentions were to go back to Howlong and help out my mate 'Reidy' (Andrew Reid) with coaching the reserves," Midson said.

"I'd actually committed to that.

"Federal had been in touch since November though and when Brent Ohlin said he wasn't going to do it I guess it went from there.

"I love it at Federal and so does Kylie (wife).

"We went to a get together up there a few Fridays ago and had a talk and that's how it eventuated.

"While it would have been great at Howlong, I didn't want to see Federal get behind the eight-ball in finding a coach."

Midson coached Wodonga Saints in 2019 and was set to lead the Tallangatta and District league club last season before coronavirus struck.

He admitted feeling recharged after 2020 was abandoned.

"I wanted us to play but I guess having some time off and not having to recruit freshens you up a bit," he said.

"I'm really excited to be going back to Federal.

"It's a great club and hopefully we can field a senior and reserve grade side as I think that's important."

Midson has been in touch with former players and hopes to sign several "experienced" recruits in coming weeks.