Peter Cook is preparing to lead Brock-Burrum into a new era after being appointed the club's senior coach.
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Cook has left Barnawartha to replace Kade Stevens, who's stepped down after five years in charge.
He's followed Jordy Hansted to the club and already has several more recruits lined up as Brock-Burrum bids to close the gap to Osborne at the top of the Hume league.
"My philosophy really fits the dynamic of a team that's in the premiership window," Cook said.
"Brock has always been one of those clubs so to have an opportunity to coach there was something I definitely didn't want to pass off.
"Kade Stevens has set the benchmark. He came straight out of Ovens and Murray, laid the foundation here and the group's used to success.
"It won't be easy to live up to that but I'm a big believer that if guys are enjoying their footy, the results will follow."
Cook is already working closely with assistant coach Matt Seiter to ensure the Saints are a force to be reckoned with in 2022.
"There hasn't been a day over the last two weeks that 'Goof' and I haven't spoken," Cook said.
"He's put a big emphasis on the development of their young group, which is something my coaching philosophy suits as well.
"Osborne's always going to be the team to beat and I'm a big believer the Hume league is a better league (than the Tallangatta league) at the moment with the financial budget difference there is.
"There are more ex-Ovens and Murray players in this league so for us to break that barrier and pull them (Osborne) back a little bit, we're hitting the ground pretty hard as far as recruiting goes and we'll start training before Christmas.
"Stevo's probably 50/50 about playing next year and the boys have lost Cupido but we've already picked up a few and we're speaking to more as well."
It's a perfect fit as far as Seiter is concerned.
"We're rapt to have Peter on board," he said. "I've never seen a bloke who's as passionate about footy.
"He prioritises teaching and developing football players, which is great for our young group.
"We have a great mix of older, experienced heads and younger players coming through so it's a great time for him to walk into our club.
"Peter's ideas on training and minimum standards mirror the Brock values.
"He's a good communicator and he's going to be a real asset to the footy club."
Cook stepped down as Barnawartha co-coach ahead of this season and work commitments limited him to two appearances although he was ready to play finals with the Tigers.
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"When COVID hit, the building industry went gangbusters," he said. "We had a lot of work in Canberra and I found myself pretty much living there for four months.
"It was always going to be difficult coaching a team from Canberra and I was pretty honest with the committee. I was losing respect from the players and we were in a fantastic position to compete for the premiership so I knew that if a decision wasn't made, it could affect our chances.
"They've decided to go with a non-playing coach for next year and I don't hold any grudges against Kade (Butters) or the club.
"My playing days are pretty close to an end but if my body holds up over a good pre-season, I'd like to think I can hold down a position in Brock's forward line and put in a good year.
"It did cross my mind to have a year off but when a club like Brock-Burrum makes a phone call and they say they want you to coach their club, it gives me confidence knowing I can take on that role.
"If I'd said no, I would have regretted it within a week."
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