Rutherglen has landed a massive recruiting coup by signing star Wangaratta defender Dylan Van Berlo as co-coach.
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Van Berlo arrives back at his junior club for the first time in more than a decade in a huge boost to the Cats climbing the ladder next year.
The former Murray Bushrangers boasts almost 150-matches of O&M experience with league heavyweight Wangaratta where he has carved a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the competition.
Van Berlo was an O&M representative as recently as last year and also played in the Magpies most recent flag in 2017.
The Cats were co-coached this season by Duane Maloney and Jakeb Meyer who replaced Steve Owen at the helm.
Owen was appointed coach of Corowa-Rutherglen in the lead-up to Christmas last year.
Rutherglen slipped from ninth in 2022 to second bottom this season after an exodus of players over the off-season.
The Cats only victory of the season came against neighbouring rival Wahgunyah in round nine after the Lions endured a winless season for the second year in a row.
However, the return of Van Berlo has revived hopes the Cats can start climbing the ladder again next year.
The club boasts some talented teenagers who finished runner-up to Kiewa-Sandy Creek in the grand final last month.
The Hawks went through the season undefeated.
Van Berlo enjoyed another solid season for the Magpies this season and played all 19-matches possible including all three finals.
MORE TO COME
