Beattie, who played with the Sunbury Lions last year, and was assistant coach the year before, said the Daylesford Club's current playing list was "ageing".

"There are positives and negatives to that but we need good young players to learn from them and step up to become the future generation," he said.

"We are looking at three or four players, from in and out of the club, to fill those roles.

"The recruiting we are doing has been very specific. We have identified the key facets that need addressing - like myself as a forward - and will fill those key roles."

Beattie said he had been keen to take on a coaching role and over the past year has spoken to a number of clubs, including Kyneton and Daylesford.

While Kyneton had been appealing it needed a large number of new players, up to eight, and a recent five-week trip overseas would have made recruiting difficult.

"Daylesford was the club which best fitted where I am at in terms of my development and challenges," he said.

Beattie said the seniors were one week into their training with the under-18s to follow this week.

"I was extremely impressed with their skills - they are fantastic," he said.

And while the new coach has not had "a significant amount" to do with the new president, John Thirsk, they were on the same page in terms of aspirations, Beattie said.

"We want to develop the club on and off the field and make it a family-oriented club where friends and family will also feel welcome," he said.

"We are certainly heading in the right direction."