He will form a new partnership with Damon Delaney, who was the Grasshoppers’ playing coach this year and will continue as the on-field leader.

The 40-year-old Moloney’s family has a strong link with the district, with his grandfather having been on the land as a soldier settler and his father being “born and bred” there.

He said as well as having some mates also involved at Rokewood-Corindhap, he had been drawn by the club’s family atmosphere and commitment to investing in the community, as well as developing everyone involved in all levels of football and netball.

Moloney said he saw the appointment as much more than a football appointment.

“It’s a role that suits me because I want to be involved as a community leader.

“My interest will be at all levels, from junior football and netball right through, at club and into the community,” he said.

Moloney has a wealth of football experience.

Growing up in Broadford, he joined the Roosters from Lake Wendouree in the Ballarat league in 1996 and went on to play 202 VFL games.

He retired as player at the end of 2010 after being part of the Roosters’ three consecutive VFL premierships.

He coached the BFL representative side in 2012 and then took up an assistant coaching role under Gerard FitzGerald at the Roosters in 2013.

Moloney captained North Ballarat from 2006 until 2010 and is a VFL life member.

He also had longstanding coaching experience in the Ballarat Clarendon College football program.

Rokewood-Corindhap football manager Leigh Russell said the club was taking a holistic approach with the appointment.

He said it was about much more than winning senior football games.

Russell said it was about embracing the town and whole community, and the appointment had already created plenty of interest.

Moloney said he would continue to be involved with North Ballarat juniors, where had coached and his whole family was involved.