Federal appoint Haydn Cook as co-coach ahead of clash with arch rival Corryong

So when the former North Albury, Beechworth and Wodonga Saints player was offered the chance to co-coach alongside former mentor Gerard Midson at Federal, he jumped at it.

Former Border-Walwa player Ash Greenhill has also come on board as a playing assistant coach, while Howlong's Tony Williams is a non-playing assistant.

Cook will make his debut in the top job on Saturday for Federal against arch rivals Corryong.

"It's my first year helping out with coaching. I've always tried to be a leader and help people. I'm currently going through my physical health certificates and wanted to test that out with the footy club," Cook said.

"They obviously heard my calling and decided to give me a go.

"I've coached juniors before, but I've always wanted to help others and try to pursue a career."

Cook said Midson reached out to him about the co-coach role when he made the move to the Swans from Wodonga Saints in the off-season.

"Middo knows how I play and knows I'm very goal-driven and always try to better myself," he said.

"He came to me and asked if I wanted to share my wisdom with others and I thought why not.

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"I'll be the eyes on the field and Middo will be sending me messages while I'm out there.

"If we can bounce off each other well, the goal is to win a premiership.

"There's a lot of experience in the coaching group and there's a couple of others that have been in similar sorts of roles who have joined the club. We've got a lot of depth in senior footy and hopefully we can turn some heads."

Cook isn't quite sure what to expect in his first Upper Murray season, but already has a bit of an understanding of the competition between Federal and Corryong.

"I heard there's a bit of a rivalry between the two clubs," he laughed.

"A few of us went and had a look last weekend to see what the competition is like and it's very different.

"I grew up playing for North Albury and Beechworth and obviously had some time at the Saints, so it's a completely different league.

"It will be interesting to see how they come up."

In the weekend's other game, Tumbarumba hosts Bullioh, which started its premiership defence with a 104-point victory against Corryong last weekend.

Former Albury-Wodonga Spitfires hockey player Charley Wallace starred on debut for the Bulldogs with seven goals.

Cudgewa has the bye.

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