Ben Reid will coach Wangaratta for two years, starting from 2022

The Pies announced on Sunday that the 2010 Collingwood premiership player will assume the top job for two years, starting in 2022.

"I think I first raised it with the board about eight weeks ago," Stone suggested.

"It's what's best for the club long-term, when you've got an asset in your organisation with the calibre of knowledge that Ben has, then you're crazy if you don't explore the opportunity for him to take the reins and attempt to take the club to another level, to a standard that's maybe the best we've ever seen.

"His footy IQ's as good as you'll get around this area.

"When you have individuals like Ben and (Albury co-coach) Anthony Miles, who've come straight out of the best competition you can play, you just have to pick their brains because their knowledge is incredible."

Stone, who led the club to its last flag in 2017 and returned this season after a two-year break, will be the assistant coach.

"'Stoney's' probably the biggest reason why I chose to do it, if he stuck around, yep, certainly I'd put my hand up," Reid revealed.

"I think you need somebody who you can really trust in that environment when you're coaching."

The 32-year-old has kicked 26 goals in seven games, but it's other areas which has blown the club away.

"He's an incredible communicator, he knew early on the young guy that came up from the thirds that wore No. 49, he knows all the netballers and every single sponsor, he's been engaged in the club from week one," Stone praised.

The Pies are delighted.

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"Ben really wants to develop our kids and he's got a great outlook for the club," co-president Ellyn O'Brien offered.

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