Darren Harris takes over from Geoff Valentine as West Perth's coach

Harris takes the reins from former Raiders teammate Geoff Valentine, who has signed on to steer Fremantle's Peel Thunder.

Valentine has been at the helm of the Falcons for the past three seasons, with the side consistently appearing in finals.

The pair helped Raiders to its first and only senior Ovens and Murray League flag back in 1998.

Harris made his playing debut at West Perth 30 years ago before being elevated to coach in 2002.

He led the club to a premiership in his second year in charge.

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"The club helped me to become the best I could be and now it's another opportunity for me to help the current group of players and coaches to be the best they can be," Harris said in a club statement.

He has also had roles in the AFL, with stints at Carlton and West Coast, where he was the Eagles forwards coach for the club's 2006 premiership under John Worsfold.

Valentine replaces outgoing coach Cam Shepherd for Thunder's top job.

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