Border Mail | COROWA-RUTHERGLEN star Sam Carpenter believes the Roos should appoint another playing coach to replace the outgoing Bryce Campbell.
Campbell told his players after Saturday's 75-point loss to Lavington that increasing work and family commitments would rule him out of returning for a third year at the helm.
While the growing trend in Ovens and Murray is for co-coaches and non-playing coaches, Carpenter said every club was different and a playing coach remained the best fit at John Foord Oval.
"I think a playing coach from outside the area who can potentially bring a few players with him would be the best scenario," Carpenter said.
"But it's obviously up to the committee which direction they want to go and the good thing is they have plenty of time up their sleeve and don't have to rush a decision.
"Although we haven't been getting the wins on the board, it's genuinely exciting to see some of the youth coming through the ranks.
"I think with the right coach who could attract a few key position players, we could be not that far away next season.
"Morale remains high and it would have been easy for everyone to drop off and not turn up to training.
"But the spirit within the group has remained strong, which is a credit to Bryce because he is such a positive person.
"As a player, you love playing under blokes like that and I'm going to really miss playing under him next season."
League heavyweight Yarrawonga has opted for co-coaches during its dominant era of the past six years, while Albury has done likewise since Paul Spargo stepped down after the 2011 season.
Carpenter said a playing coach could still manage the load if he had the right support network, citing Lavington as a prime example.
Carpenter returned to Corowa-Rutherglen this season for the first time since 2009, when he finished runner-up in the Morris Medal.
The inspirational midfielder said he had no coaching ambitions at this stage of his career and had verbally committed to the Roos' again for next season.
"I haven't got any room in the wardrobe for any more footy jumpers, so I'm staying at Corowa-Rutherglen," he said
"I only signed a one-year deal but I've told the club I'm pretty much here until I retire.
"I'm 28 and hopefully if I can stay injury free, I have got a few good years left in me."
