Loader, who has been senior coach of the Rebels for the last five seasons and had been at the club for nine years, will take up the role of development coach with North Melbourne.

He will begin his new role early in October, meaning the Rebels will soon begin the hunt for their new head coach.

“It’s really exciting, it’s a big challenge but I’m really looking forward to it,” Loader told the Courier.

“It’s a pathway I’ve always wanted to follow, it’s a real chance to stretch myself out and test myself again.”

Among his many coaching accolades, Loader was named TAC Cup coach of the year for the past two seasons.

Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said the club was thrilled to see yet another coach develop through the system and make their way into the AFL.

Loader becomes the second Rebels coach from the past three appointments to move into the AFL coaching ranks, with Chris Maple joining the Western Bulldogs in 2008. Ironically both of them coached locally at senior level within the Mininera and District Football League before joining the Rebels.

“It’s fantastic for us as a club, we’re very excited,” Partington said.

“This is the reason we exist. Obviously we want to provide a pathway for our juniors to evolve and go far, but our coaches as well.

“We couldn’t be happier for David.”

Partington said the Rebels would soon advertise for their new senior coach, although there was no obvious replacement currently at hand.

“We wish David and his wonderful family all the best for this exciting opportunity and we look forward to continuing our relationship whilst he helps develop the future Drew Petrie’s at the North Melbourne Football Club,” he said.

The Rebels finished on top of the TAC Cup ladder under Loader’s guidance this year, only to bow out to eventual premiers Oakleigh Chargers in the preliminary final.

He will work alongside current development coaches Ben Dyer and Gavin Brown.

Loader had been strongly linked to a possible coaching position at North Ballarat Roosters before the announcement of his AFL role.

The Roosters are still expected to announce their senior coach this week.

DAVID LOADER’S TIME WITH NORTH BALLARAT REBELS

2007 - runner and development coach

2008 - backline coach

2009 - midfield coach, under 16 head coach

2010 - senior assistant, midfield coach and under 16 head coach

2011-2015 - TAC Cup head coach