Barooga land prized signing of Jackson Trengove as coach for next season

Trengove joined the Hawks this year in one of the biggest signings in the competition in recent memory.

Wodonga Raiders were the frontrunners to land the prized signature of Trengove this season but his close ties to the Murray league club proved too hard to ignore.

Trengove, who played 185 matches at the elite level with Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs, will replace Tim Hargreaves at the helm who will step down after one season at the helm.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge," Trengove said.

"Before I joined Barooga and was still playing AFL I completed a few coaching courses and have always had ambitions to coach at some stage.

"The opportunity has probably come around a bit quicker than I thought it would.

"Ideally I would liked to have had another season or two where I could relax.

"But we have got a really young group and I met with the club and you have to take coaching opportunities when they arise.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of turning the club around and getting back to playing some finals football."

Trengove revealed he was on the recruiting radar of almost every O&M club for next season.

"I received a phone call from most O&M clubs to see how keen I was to play," he said.

"But personally I'm not interested in playing in the O&M despite how widely regarded the competition is.

"After playing at the elite level for 13 seasons it was more about getting back to enjoying my football and being part of the community that I'm living in.

"I just want to share my knowledge and experience and educate the kids at Barooga in preference to extending my career at the higher level of the O&M."

Trengove has been playing predominantly in the ruck for the Hawks this season.

They will miss out on finals action after having won three of 12 matches so far.

"We have got a young list and will look to add a bit of experience over the off-season," Trengove said.