In a huge boost to the Brookers improving on this year's first semi-final exit, Gestier is set to provide another tall marking target alongside Andrew Dess and Andrew Dear.

Gestier, 29, arrives at Holbrook after spending the past three seasons coaching Riverina League club Collingullie-Glenfield Park.

Previously Gestier spent two years with Corowa-Rutherglen before joining rival Lavington in 2016.

He ruptured his ACL in his first match for the Panthers in the opening round and missed the remainder of the season.

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It was at Lavington Sportsground where Gestier first met Brookers coach Matt Sharp.

He said the pair struck an immediate friendship which was instrumental in him signing with the Brookers.

"I was only at Lavington for a brief stint but Sharpie (Matt) and I clicked straight away I guess you could say," Gestier said.

"When I announced I wasn't going to coach Collingullie next season, I had no idea what the future held footy-wise.

"Sharpie got in contact and I suppose the rest is history now."

Gestier finished runner-up in his first season at the helm before making amends last year when he captured his first senior flag.

The Demons and Gestier both endured a tumultuous season as they lost their last nine matches to miss finals for the first time in 19 years.

Gestier admitted coaching had taken a toll mentally and he was looking foward to playing without the burden of having to coach.

"Coaching is very time consuming but it does take a toll on you," he said.

"Don't get me wrong, I loved my time coaching and am very proud to say that I'm a premiership coach.

"But three years was enough for me and I needed a change and to freshen-up.

"Whether you like it or not, when you are coach a lot of the focus goes on getting the best out of your players and it was to the detriment of my own form.

"I thought it hampered how I performed because I wasn't able to put the time into my preparation and was instead worrying about everybody else."

Gestier kicked 63 goals in 37 matches for the Demons as he battled with injury and suspensions.

The strong marking forward is hoping to recapture the sort of form that saw him represent the O&M during his time at Corowa-Rutherglen.

"Playing wise I don't think I was anywhere near my best at Collingullie," he said

"The fire still burns but I just feel I need a fresh start and Holbrook looks a perfect fit for me.

"They have got a young, talented list that Sharpie has done well to develop.

"They probably just lacked another reliable avenue to goal and hopefully I can provide that if I can stay injury free."