North Albury's last premiership coach Corey Lambert joins recruiting

Corey Lambert, who moved back from Brisbane, led the Hoppers to the 2002 flag against Wangaratta Rovers and on the eve of the 20th anniversary, is part of the recruitment panel.

"I love the club, first and foremost, it's been sad, for two reasons, to see the current results, but it's also been far too long since the club's experienced that success which, fortunately, myself and others were part of," he explained.

"It would be great to see the guys get back to that type of position (playing finals).

North Albury claimed this season's wooden spoon, losing all 13 matches in the COVID-shortened season.

The Hoppers last played finals in 2015, under Jason Akermanis, but haven't won a final since the first semi against Wodonga Raiders in 2010.

Since then, they've lost their last three finals.

First-year coach Luke Norman faced Mission Impossible after losing players over summer and they weren't replaced.

Norman was one of the O and M's best players during his stint with Wangaratta in the late 1990s, while Lambert was one of the league's other gun midfielders at the time.

"I'm a big fan of Luke having played with (at representative level) and against him and we built up a mutual respect over the years," he revealed.

"When I found out he was given the job, I couldn't be happier.

"With the club very well structured off the field and financially very stable, I think it's time that people got back in and helped and brought back the success to the club."

And Norman says Lambert's input is vital.

"He's got a wealth of knowledge and he's coached the club before, he's coached at high levels, I get along really well with Corey, we played a lot of footy against each other and have a lot of time for each other," he suggested.

"I'm more than grateful for Corey to be involved and be involved with the recruiting.

"North Albury's got an amazing culture with their past players, they really love the place and want to help."

Norman has announced his first signing for the next two years in Bailey Dale, the son of Paul.

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"Bailey played at Wangaratta with my son Carter in that under 18 grand final against Myrtleford, he's a six-foot four-inch, key forward."

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