The Border Mail suggested a fortnight ago Almond was the favourite, but it was only confirmed on Friday afternoon.

"The people management side and the ability to teach has grown dramatically, you have to have passion to teach the players the game and that's where my passion is now, I love football, but my great love is teaching the game," he offered.

The 42-year-old started coaching Lavington's reserves and was senior mentor Tim Sanson's assistant for three years from 2005.

He then led Hume League club Howlong for five years, claiming the 2010 premiership and Coach of the Year three successive seasons.

He joined Tallangatta and District outfit Dederang Mount Beauty and was named Coach of the Year on debut in 2013, before joining Raiders as an assistant to Daryn Cresswell for 18 months.

Almond last coached in the O and M in 2018-19 at Corowa-Rutherglen, helping resurrect the club after two winless wooden spoons.

"We spoke to people at Corowa-Rutherglen and they hold Marc in high esteem, he's very committed and when we interviewed him, I was very impressed with his manner," club president Mark Johnston said.

Almond has a number of strengths and it's unlikely the league will have a harder working mentor.

"The time and effort he puts into everything, from his players to reviews to recruiting, he's not the type of bloke that does half a job at a footy club," this year's coach Jarrod Hodgkin praised.

Hodgkin will stay as a player after standing down due to work commitments.

Meanwhile, the league is seeking clarification over wording which could end the COVID-ravaged year.

Issued by the Victoria Government, it states, "crossing the border will no longer be permitted to attend physical recreation facilities".

It occurred on the same day the league's battle to complete the season was ramped up with chairperson David Sinclair speaking with Neil Mitchell on Radio 3AW.

ALSO IN SPORT:

"No COVID (for a year) ... we can get this done without impacting on public safety."

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