Saunders, 34, arrives in the Warrnambool and District league after a successful stint at South West District club Heywood.

The experienced onballer spent four seasons at the Lions, winning two premierships – one in 2012 as an assistant and another in 2015 as coach.

He spent three seasons as Lions’ senior coach, taking them to three straight grand final appearances.

That followed a long-stint at Portland which resulted in two Western Border league flags in 2003 and 2008.

Saunders, who will commute from Portland to train and play, said Allansford gave him a chance to expand his coaching repertoire.

“I was eager to have a go at a higher level and challenge myself in a different league,” he said.

“My main reasons for leaving (Heywood) were to improve my knowledge as a coach and gain skills at a different level.”

Saunders, who arrives as a playing coach, is eager to have an impact on and off the field.

“I am a person who needs to lead by example,” he said.

“I was keen to still play and support the boys.

“I wouldn’t expect people to do something I couldn’t do myself.”

An emphasis on values, such as honesty and a team-first approach, will also be strong under Saunders.

Allansford made the 2015 preliminary final under outgoing mentor Josh Parkinson, going down to eventual runner-up Merrivale.

Saunders believes the Cats’ list is in great shape and can again challenge for finals berth next season.

“They’re in a great position to keep improving and I will try and build on what Parko has done the last three years,” he said. 

The veteran ball-winner hopes Allansford’s midfield depth will allow him to play predominantly as a small forward in 2016.

Saunders is bringing Lions onballer Stephen Lovett with him to the Cats.

Allansford is expected to start pre-season training in mid-November.