The three-time Hampden league coach will bring his experienced football mind to the south-west high school as it chases glory in the School Sport Victoria Premier League.

McLaren said his involvement with North Ballarat (now Greater Western Victoria Rebels) Rebels' program had been a big factor in his decision to take up the new role.

"I may have had the tiniest bit of influence on their careers (after the Rebels) even though it might be next to nothing to any one of those boys," he told The Standard.

"I still follow them closely and see how they have grown and gone on to become good players and some have played AFL and others are now playing good in Hampden league senior footy.

"It's the main reason why I'd thought I'd do the job and even if it is just to build a small connection with these players and then watch and see how they go."

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Year 11 assistant coordinator Ben Woonton said it was a big bonus for the school to gain the services of the Saints' mastermind.

"We are over the moon about him taking it on the job," he said.

"There is a lot of football experience in our teaching ranks but we felt that the kids would embrace someone from outside the school ranks and his resume backs up his selection."

Emmanuel progressed through to the semi-final of last year's competition where it was eventually beaten by Essendon Keilor College.

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