After finishing second on the Picola District Football League senior ladder in 2024, the Bulldogs crashed out of finals in straight sets to Tungamah and eventual premier Waaia.
Former Tocumwal and Cobram coach Tim Garlick signed on as senior coach in September last year, but had to step away from the role due to work commitments.
Replacing Garlick as co-coaches of Strathmerton will be star forward Tim Looby and veteran Zack Betson.
Adrian Crestani will be an assistant coach.
Looby returns to the role after holding the coaching position for the past few seasons.
The gun forward booted 123 goals as playing coach for the Bulldogs in 2024.
Meanwhile, it will be Betson's first time as coach of a senior football team.
Betson said he was fortunate to have an experienced leader by his side in Looby to help guide him through the early stages.
“I don’t know what (type of coach) I will be yet, but hopefully not too harsh or anything like that,” Betson said with a laugh.
“I have got a good co-coach there with me in ‘Loobs’ and I have never done it before, so I will probably sit back for a little bit and watch what he does.
“I have had some good mentors over the years with previous coaches at Strathy."
There will be plenty of nerves as Betson attacks the start of his coaching career, but the new leader of the Bulldog pack said he was looking forward to the season ahead.
“It’s pretty exciting, to be honest, I can’t wait to get started,” he said.
“I think we start (Tuesday) night, so I am looking forward to the challenge.
“We didn’t have much luck last year with a few key injuries to a few certain players.
“Hopefully, that doesn’t happen again.”
The Bulldogs’ first game of the season will be a great early test as they face reigning premier Waaia on April 5.
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