The five-time Koroit premiership player returns to the Hampden league powerhouse’s coaching hot seat after a four-year break, replacing Adam Dowie.

McLaren, who missed the Saints’ third straight flag last month through injury, said he was content with leading from the bench.

“I’m undecided but it’s unlikely I’d say,” he said of playing on.

“Soft tissue injuries are getting to me a bit and I think it’s much easier to coach and not try to play.

“I think our list is deep enough, strong enough and will be going well enough that I don’t have to.”

McLaren coached the Saints in 2011-12 and has remained in leadership roles since through TAC Cup North Ballarat Rebels and as Hampden interleague mentor.

The challenge of leading Koroit to a fourth straight premiership is one the key defender has embraced.

“I have always enjoyed coaching. When I did it the first time we had a strong side the first year and a big turnover the next year and it was a bit of a battle,” McLaren said.

“I thought it was time the club had a freshen up and it was great the club was able to get Adam. 

“Clearly they are big shoes to fill but the key to it is not to try and be Adam Dowie. 

“His record stands alone. Everything we do will have his fingerprints on it but it’s important to try new things as well.”

McLaren is confident the Saints can remain a force in the Hampden league.

“We had 16 guys in the premiership team 26 or younger,” he said.

“(Plus) Blair McCutcheon had an unbelievably good start to the season and Tom Lynch played every game in a premiership game the year before and missed with a foot injury which he’ll have an operation on in the off-season.”

McLaren said his older brother Joe and ruckman Ethyn Zimmer – two of the Saints’ most experienced players – had indicted they would play on in 2017.