Boyd, a former Warrnambool player, has spent the past decade at Geelong Football League outfit Leopold.

But the 31-year-old, whose parents still live in the south-west, decided to make the move to play under good friend Bourke in his first gig as a senior coach.

Boyd, who is expected to hold down a full-forward role at the Power, said Bourke was genuine and fitted the bill of a modern coach.

"He's kind of a quiet achiever. He's not the loudest bloke in the room, but he certainly develops relationships with people really well," he said.

"He does in a quiet and and not necessarily up-front sort of manner.

"He'll get to know people on a personal level and he does that well. I think he gets respect from that, I suppose."

Boyd said the first-year coach's football ability also commanded respect.

"He's a modern-day footballer. He's classy, he can run all day and he gets his respect there too," he said.

"It's one of those things, he's young but you never know until he's in the role.

"i think he'll relish it. He's a local boy, he's super passionate about the club and they all love him down there."

Boyd and Geelong Football League team of the decade defender Jeremy Larcombe will link up with Bourke, who they played with at Leopold Memorial Park, in 2021.

The Power are expected to retain the bulk of the list.

Bourke will coach alongside assistants Joel Moloney and Sam Moloney. Joel will also play while Sam will guide from the bench.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.