Middleton’s family has a history at the club and the newly-installed captain-coach won a title with South Dubbo as an under 16s players and played for Macquarie’s under 18s.

That time and knowledge has left Middleton with an understanding of the club’s values and it also means when pre-season starts next week he won’t be totally “starting from scratch”. 

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“I know what the club is about. It’s a family-orientated club which I’m attracted to. I want the positive environment and to create that atmosphere,” he said.

“I just want to make footy enjoyable but in saying that you can’t enjoy it without that hard work and commitment so we’ll set that standard.

“I’m really keen to get to work.”

While stating it was important for the side to start pre-season early, Middleton added his sessions won’t require about gut-busting efforts or anything too strenuous too early.

Instead, it’s more a chance for the captain-coach to instill in his players what he wants to see in 2019.

“It’s not about focusing on ripping in and all that. It’s about teaching the players what you want them to know,” he said.

“There’s a lot of coaches but there’s not a lot of teachers and the way I operate is to break things down and really teach the boys what you want them to do on the field.

“Obviously there’s going to be a lot of younger blokes and they’ll need guidance and support.”

The sessions will start from 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday.