Hodgkin publicly announced on Monday that he would be stepping down as coach at the end of the season but would remain at Birallee Park as a player.

He said business commitments had ruled him out for a fourth year at the helm next season.

Six of the ten Ovens and Murray clubs have playing coaches this year.

Johnston said the club would simply target the best coach available.

"We are keeping our options open," Johnston said.

"We have made some initial inquiries and will obviously be following them up over the next couple of months.

"How long it will take to sign another coach - I'm unsure.

"If it happens to be another playing coach, the announcement could be delayed to almost the end of the season because of their playing commitments.

"Time will tell I guess."

IN OTHER NEWS

Hodgkin led Raiders to the elimination final in his first season at the helm.

Last year he landed a recruiting coup after luring Jydon Neagle back to Birallee Park before the season was ruined by COVID-19.

The Raiders remain firmly in the mix to play finals again this season with a 3-3 record.

"I rate Jarrod very highly as a coach," Johnston said.

"He has been able to develop the kids and the playing group is a close knit group with good camaraderie.

"I think he has been able to lift the profile of the club within the community.

"Also the football club as a whole is a lot closer and not a separate entity as may have been the case in the past."

Johnston also praised Hodgkin's effort to win the Morris medal in 2019 while juggling his coaching commitments.

"Jarrod leads by example on the field," he said.

"To win a Morris medal as coach, adds to the merit of the achievement."

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