"Unfortunately we didn't win that (semi-final) last year and it still burns a little," he said.

"But with the age group demographic we've got down here, I'm pretty confident we can take that next step in the next 12 months."

The 33-year-old, who played six senior matches for the yellow and black last year, said he planned to coach from the sidelines.

His immediate focus is developing his players.

"I'll plan on just coaching but those who know me know I'm pretty competitive and I'll certainly be keeping myself fit enough ready to go," he said.

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Sobey explained he had worked with every Tigers coach in some capacity from when Jack Kelson was at the helm about a decade ago.

He said his leadership role had gradually grown and he worked closely with the Tigers' midfielders in 2019.

"(Former coach) Jason Rowan gave me a great opportunity, especially the past 12 months," he said.

"I was able to extend my role and he just gave me the opportunity to grow and I've really got to thank him for that."

The Tigers 2014 premiership captain and 2015 J. A. Esam medallist feels ready to take charge.

"It gives me an opportunity now to put it all in place my way," he said.

"I feel like I've got a great relationship with not only the players, but their parents and their families as well."

Sobey is already on the hunt for recruits.

"I've obviously got some targets and had some conversations already and we'll let you know how they go," he said.

Otherwise, he said the focus would be on working with the club's current players.

"The biggest thing we demand is everyone involved is going to try and get the best out of these kids, out of this club and anyone who steps on to the oval," he said.

Sobey is taking on his first football head coach position at any level but has extensive experience as a swimming coach.

He and Jayson Lamb are business partners in Jayson Lamb's Splash Factory.

Sobey has also been a Warrnambool Swimming Club coach for about 15 years.

His squad is currently made up of promising youngsters aged from 11 to 14.

Sobey said swim coaches Lamb, Paul Aberline and Peter Finnigan had been great mentors.

"The swimming club has a great culture and is a great place, no different to here (Merrivale)," he said.

"There'll be some things I'll bring to the footy club and some things I take to the swimming club.

"I'll take that team aspect back to the swimming club and then that individual grind and commitment to the footy club."

Sobey's wife Elisha, a respected netballer, confirmed she will be playing for the Tigers again in 2021.

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