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Contacts:

Football President- Mick Fitzgerald 0438 103 387

Senior Coach- Josh Finch 0408 317 435

MODEWARRE has scored a major recruiting coup in its quest to win its first BFL premiership with John Meesen returning to the club as playing co-coach alongside Josh Finch last night.

The veteran ruckman, who made six AFL appearances during stints at Adelaide and Melbourne and last played with the Warriors in 2013.

Meesen joined Mt Eliza the following year, before spending three seasons with Eastern Football League powerhouse Balwyn where he played in two premierships.

“This year we were out in straight sets and I knew that it was probably time to come back here,” Meesen, who works as AFL player agent, told krockfootball.com.au.

“I always wanted to finish where I started … at 31-years-old now, I think the time's right and I'm ready to commit to Modda.”

Meesen will bring a vast amount of knowledge to the coaching role, having spent two years as assistant to Matthew Sproule at Modewarre in 2012-13, as well as time in roles with VFL club Casey.

He's keen to help Finch continue to build on consecutive finals appearances, which included the Warriors' maiden BFL grand final berth in 2016.

“Josh has got the club going well off and on the field,” Meesen.

“There has been some success, but I think over the next 12-24 months the club's poised for some sustained success.

“Coming on board, that'll definitely be the aim.”

Finch, who is entering his third season as coach, is looking forward to working alongside his good friend as Modewarre looks to improve on this year's semi-final exit.

“I think it's a great thing for me and the club and the direction we're going,” the three-time Les Ash medallist said.

“I've publicly stated the workload I've put into the program in the last two years is based on what I would want to be coached like.

“(John's) been exposed to an elite standard of Aussie Rules footy, he's going to bring a wealth of knowledge and general footy nous to our program, and add so much more to it.

“(And) it's going to give me the opportunity to play some footy with my best mate.”

Meesen is likely to play mostly in the ruck, allowing Daniel Sturzaker to play permanently in a key defensive post and Nic Clarke to spend more time forward.

“You can build a side around a spine, can't you? Most coaches will say that,” Finch said.

“It (ruck) is probably a position we've struggled with, John will be huge in that area.

“It frees up guys to play in the position we've recruited them as.”