Darren McColl has been chosen as the man to lead the Bulldogs to back-back flags.

Premiership coach Davis quit earlier this month just four weeks before the club's round-one match against Clunes.

He was seen as the catalyst in Daylesford's first flag in 46 years.

Davis said he was forced to give up the position for personal reasons.

McColl has previously coached Newstead to a premiership in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League and played for Daylesford from the late 80s until 1997.

Bulldogs' club president Barry Phypers said Daylesford deserved to remain as warm favourites to win back-to-

back flags.

"The players are all happy with the announcement. They want to have a good year with Darren, they all respect him," Phypers said.

He said the Daylesford committee and its supporters were 100 per cent behind the club's new coach, despite the initial disappointment of losing a premiership drought-breaking coach.

The Bulldogs will take on Clunes in the first round, which starts on April 19.

Many CHFL followers have tipped Clunes to win less than five games this season.

Daylesford captain Luke Adams, who was a candidate for the coaching job, said the players would adapt well to the late coaching change.

"We have a strong leadership base amongst our players. That should help us out once the season starts," Adams said.

"We certainly still have the ability to go all the way again this year.

"We will still have the same style of play as last year and everyone is keen to go back-to-back."