Former Camperdown and North Warrnambool Eagles leader Bernard Moloney has joined son Heath at the Mack Oval-based club as an assistant coach.

Bernard is expected to run the Kangaroos’ bench and assist with training in the revamped setup.

The Warrnambool-based real estate agent said the chance to work alongside his son provided motivation for his return to coaching.

“When Heath finished with the army, he came back play at Camperdown when I was there,” Bernard said.

“The chance to help out at Russells Creek is an opportunity for me to put a bit back in to helping him.

“It’s really exciting to be involved with family and I’m really appreciative to Russells Creek for giving me that opportunity.”

Bernard said a “less demanding” role as an assistant appealed to him.

He said he was all but certain to close the door on his coaching career after stepping down from North Warrnambool’s top job in 2014.

“Heath is certainly the coach, but at my age, it’s great to have the chance to be his assistant. I’ll certainly be doing all I can to grow the club," Bernard said.

“We’ve just got to keep the group together, and build with a few more recruits as we go into next season.

“We’re moving in the right direction but we just have to attract a few players and keep ours together like the good teams do.”

Heath, who joined Russells Creek last season after a one-year stint with Nirranda, said the arrangement was a perfect fit.

He said his father’s football knowledge would be valuable for the Kangaroos’ fleet of up-and-coming talents.

“Dad needed a break from footy, but he’s living in the Russells Creek Estate and I wanted to take the opportunity to coach with my old man,” Heath said.

“He loves everything about footy and trying different ideas. “We’ve got some ripping kids, but they’re still kids. They’re still learning more each game they play.”