Brand has spent the past five seasons coaching Victor Harbor junior colts and plans to make an impression at his old club.

“It is good to be back and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“The goal is to get Encounter Bay back to a competitive level,” Brand said.

The club is excited at the prospect of having one of its prodigal sons return and also has Darren Hart (skills coach) and Tony Modra (chairman of selectors) back at the club after a few years absence.

President Richard Littlely says the return of Brand, Hart and Modra has ignited plenty of enthusiasm for the 2010 season.

“We are not making any wild statements, but we expect to do better than we did in 2009,” Littlely said.

The Encounter Bay Football Club will hold an evening on January 5 at 6.30pm where the coaches and new players will be introduced and tea will be provided.