The chance to be part of a more competitive club has seen Chris Maher link with Brothers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Maher was co-coach of Cootamundra last season but has joined their Group Nine rivals for 2020.
It was another tough season for the Bulldogs, who won just one game, and the 28-year-old is looking forward to the chance to play in a stronger side.
"I'm keen for the year," Maher said.
"I got stuck in that losing culture at Coota and I'm pretty competitive so it will be a good change at Brothers this year.
"They've got a couple of good halves in Dyl (Dylan McLachlan) and Breusty (Cameron Breust) so it will be nice to play outside them in the second row and improve my footy."
It means both Bulldogs co-coaches from last season have left the club, with Matt Forsyth making the move to Shellharbour.
Maher expects it will be another tough season for his junior club, after linking with the Wagga club.
"Obviously last year was a struggle, I know that first hand, and this year is looking like it is going to be worse," he said.
"Coota have lost four or five from last year and I think it is going to be hard to come back from."
Brothers captain-coach Cameron Breust is pleased to have Maher on board.
He is looking to use Maher's experience to help the side take another step forward in 2020.
"He's a very good boost for the club," Breust said.
"Obviously he can play in a variety of different positions and whether he plays backs or forwards it will definitely boost our squad.
"The good thing about the club this year is we are all bouncing ideas off each other so to have his experience is unreal."
Maher is the first signing Brothers have announced since Breust as their new leader however the club confirmed Dylan McLachlan will play on in 2020.
McLachlan enjoyed a breakout season after returning to Brothers and finished second in the Weissel Medal count.
Maher said he was a big reason for the club switch.
Breust is also hoping to secure some new faces from outside the group in the coming weeks.
Maher had shoulder surgery last month but is confident he will be right for right one.
Brothers kick start their campaign against Albury at Greenfield Park on April 18.
The Thunder ended their season in the first weeks of finals last year.
READ MORE
