Now, Fernly will bring all of that experience, plus a stint as the Cronulla Sharks' on-field trainer, to the Batemans Bay Tigers as he takes over as head coach from 2022.

The Sydney product, who also was the head coach of the Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs for almost three season, was involved with the club last year as an assistant to former playing coach Mason Harrison.

"I've got a close family friend within the club, and I was approached by Mason early last year to provide some assistance," he said.

"I did one day a week and really got to know the club and the people in it, and I see a lot of potential here so I put my hand up for the role."

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Fernly will take control of a playing group that he believes can be a premiership contender from the outset.

"Last year we had a little block of five weeks where we won three games and drew another one, and that gave me a lot of confidence that what we were doing was right," he said.

"That was the first time a lot of the stuff we taught them was being executed on the field, and it led to some good form.

"We're definitely here to be competitive - I'd be really disappointed if we didn't play finals this year."

The new coach told the Bay Post he'd be tempted to pull on a jersey himself if he didn't have a shoulder injury that prevented him from playing.

"I played a heap of A Grade in Cronulla as a hooker and finished off in the halves," he said.

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"In 2010 I was offered a gig as the on-field trainer for the Cronulla Sharks' National Youth Competition team, and I did that for six or seven years.

"When the ASADA thing happened up at Cronulla I went up to first grade as well, so I was their on-field trainer for a couple of years.

"I was involved with the senior group there for about six years, then I moved down to Milton and had the Bulldogs for about two-and-a-half years.

"I've had a couple of years off due to COVID, but assisting here last year is really how I came into the role."

Fernly is already looking to the future, promising at least a "couple" of signings before the new season and a first-grade team who is ready to compete.

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"I've always loved coaching, I get a lot of value out of doing it," he said.

"I really believe in the stuff I teach the players, and the feedback has always been good. I'm really confident in what I can bring to this club.

"I've had outstanding support from the committee - the effort they've put in to get to this point has been outstanding, and that helps keep me motivated.

"I've got a really good team around me, and now it's my job to put a good football team on the park for the town and the club."