He moves to Springbank in a non-playing capacity after three seasons at the helm of his home club Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in the Mininera District league.

Otto succeeds Troy Beamond, who has moved on after one year at Springbank.

Otto takes a wealth of experience to Springbank, having been much travelled as a player and coach.

He arrives fresh from taking Wickliffe-Lake Bolac to a premiership.

Springbank football manager Luke Kane, announcing the appointment, said the Tigers looked forward to Otto continuing to build on the good work of Beamond.

Springbank finished fifth this year before bowing out in the second week of the finals at the hands of Waubra after taking out an elimination final.

Having progressed through junior ranks at Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, Otto played with North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup under-18s before joining Ballarat Swans, where he was part of their 2008 Ballarat league premiership.

He also had a stint at Beaufort in the CHFL.

Kane also announced the recruitment of three players from Albion in Western Region league division one – Jonathan O’Brien, Todd Finco and James Thompson.

He said O’Brien would boost key position stocks, while Finco and Thompson would predominantly play midfield and forward for Springbank, which would continue to be branded as the GJ Gardner Homes Tigers  for a seventh season. 

We’re extremely well placed for next season,” Kane said.

O’Brien represented Vic Metro against Vic Country at Mars Stadium in Ballarat this year, while Finco has been a best and fairest, and a consistent goalkicker for Albion.