Dennington coach Darcy Lewis and his Merrivale counterpart Karl Dwyer will coach the outfit in its country championships clash against Mid Gippsland in May.

League officials announced the appointment yesterday and revealed a new three-year sponsorship agreement with Callaghan Motors.

The interleague footballers will also wear a new jumper, a predominantly red strip with two horizontal strips — yellow and navy blue — across the centre.

Lewis, among the most respected players at the Dogs, said he was proud to take on the top job alongside Dwyer, who led the Tigers to a premiership in 2014.

Both have had roles with the interleague side in recent years. They replace Simon O’Keefe, who has returned to Hampden league club Koroit.

“They came to me and asked me if I would be interested in doing it at all, taking over from Tocka,” Lewis said.

“I didn’t have to put too much thought into it. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed helping out with.

“I thought Tocka was a great advocate, the best one that we’ve had, because he’s so passionate about interleague football.

“It had to be someone who was also equally as passionate about interleague football to take over and keep it as strong.”

Lewis, 31, said he wanted to see the best players in the competition to put their hands up for representative duty.

Warrnambool and District is aiming for back-to-back wins, having come from 27 points down to beat Colac and District in a thriller last season.

“Everyone has to put their hand up and I’d really encourage everyone to take the opportunity they’ve got,” Lewis said.

“No one will ever regret playing. If someone is unfortunate enough to get an injury, it’s like the old cliche, it could happen walking out the front door.

“But if you have the opportunity to play in these things and you turn them down, that’s something you will regret when your time is up in footy.”

Meanwhile, WDFNL president Ken McSween said he was pleased Callaghan Motors had extended its partnership with the league for the next three seasons.

The new deal is the biggest yet. The figure remains under wraps but there is cash for the interleague side and the league’s infrastructure grants fund.

Allansford Recreation Reserve, Reid Oval and Mortlake’s D. C. Farran Oval have already benefited from the fund.

Separately, McSween encouraged clubs to apply for grants up to $100,000 through the $5 million Holden Home Ground Advantage Program.

Supporters can improve the chances of their club receiving cash by clicking “like” on Callaghan Motors’ Facebook page.

League officials and Callaghan Motors dealer principal Stephen Callaghan will then back what they determine to be the most worthy applicants.

“As a good corporate citizen, we see our role as not only being a solid business but also supporting the local sporting community,” Callaghan said.

“The fit with the WDFNL is perfect for us and we’re very excited about the possible funding opportunities through the Holden Home Ground Advantage program.”