Raak had originally been appointed as one of head coach Segifili Asa Leausa’s assistants in 2019, but will now share the top job with his on-field sidekick.

Hepburn president Jason Dooley said after some serious consultation between Raak and Asa Leausa and the committee, it was agreed that they share the position.

“Due to Siga’s heavily increased personal work load at the hugely successful fitness business which he co-owns, he felt that without a co-coach he would not be able to do this position the justice it deserves,” Dooley said.

“We all believe this to be a win, win for the club and playing group with Siga being a playing coach and Clive’s experience operating off the bench creating a great balance and giving Siga more opportunity to exert his influence on the ground.”

Raak was senior coach at Hepburn between 2013 and 2015 and won a premiership in his first season in the role.

At the end of 2015, he stepped down and was replaced by Jason Olver for two years. Olver then handed over the reins to Asa Leausa, who took Hepburn to an elimination final this year.

Since leaving the Burras, Raak has led the Central Highlands senior interleague side for three campaigns, all of which have ended in defeat.

Dooley said Raak would play a big part in developing the younger players at the club.

"We continue to focus on our junior development and Clive will make this a big part of his side of the job, providing one-on-one time with developing players," Dooley said.

Raak and Asa Leausa will be helped next year by a new appointment in Matthew Penny.

Penny, who has been recruited as skills and development coach, is a past Hepburn club best and fairest who spent time with Carlton and Hawthorn, despite never playing an AFL game.

He will provide further one-on-one coaching at training and also hold down a game day role.

The Burras’ premiership-winning ruckman Michael Watt will also continue as an assistant coach. Watt retired following that grand final win over Beaufort in 2017 and helped Asa Leausa last season.

Hepburn finished in sixth spot on the ladder last season before being bundled out in the first week of finals by Newlyn.

The 2019 Central Highlands Football League fixture is expected to be ratified by the board this week.