The classy all-rounder has confirmed his comeback to the Ballarat Cricket Association after a brief stint with Leopold in the Geelong competition.

Knowles, a former club captain who played in the Bulls’ first grade premiership in 2014-15, fills the vacancy left by former coach Dan Davies.

Davies has recently taken up a position with the Bannockburn Bulls.

Knowles said the travel to train and play with Leopold had been a factor in deciding to return to his home club.

He said he was excited to take on the added responsibility of a senior coaching role.

“Being coach will give me a good opportunity to help develop the young guys at the club and hopefully improve the club across all grades – both seniors and juniors,” Knowles, a multiple BCA Melbourne Country Week representative, said.

Knowles enjoyed a strong recent season with Leopold, making 242 runs and taking 16 wickets in the firsts during 2016-17.

He won the club champion and first XI most valuable player awards.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Leopold. It’s a magnificent club to be a part of and it was a very hard decision to say no to returning to play again this season,” Knowles said.

With some key players departing Brown Hill in the off-season – including Davies and English import Joe Crichard – Knowles is expected to bring in some outside talent to help the Bulls’ bid for a premiership.

“We'll be looking to bring a couple of other guys in, players that we believe will be a good fit for the club both on and off the field,” he told The Courier.

After reaching three-straight BCA A-grade grand finals, Brown Hill had a disappointing 2016-17 campaign.

The Bulls won just two fixtures and finished eighth on the table.