The duo has coached the club’s senior team for the past three seasons, earning a place in the Mininera league grand final each year.

In 2018 the Magpies secured the senior flag after two straight grand final losses.

The Otto brothers returned to the Magpies in 2016 after many years away from the club.

Joe was part of the premiership team in 2005 at just 17.

President Richard Blackburn said the club had worked throughout the season towards a succession plan after Otto announced it would be his last year at the club.

“We have been working hard on keeping things going and working towards the same goals,” he said.

Blackburn said the premiership win was a great way to finish the coaching tenure. 

“Due to working commitments we understood travel was getting harder for Joe and he accepted a position closer to Ballarat,” he said.

Joe Otto, also a Ballarat Swans premiership player, will continue to pursue his coaching career with Central Highlands league powerhouse Springbank in a non-playing capacity.

Blackburn said the club had sights set on the 2019 season and hoped to announce new leadership soon.

“We are working through getting the current players re-signed and working out final details on coaching appointments,” he said.