The duo will bring a wealth of coaching experience to the side after taking the reins from Scott Turner.

Louder has been involved with Ararat for a number of years and had previously coached the under-17s and reserves sides.

Hosking had coached Tatyoon in the Mininera and District Football League for three seasons in the 1980s and 90s, the Rats' under-14s side in 2008, and he assisted Louder with reserves coaching duties last season.

President Paul Cocking said he was excited to get Hosking and Louder on board for 2013.

"They're both from around here and they've been around the club for a fair while and will be a welcome addition to the senior coaching ranks," he said.

Hosking and Louder both agreed that player retention was number one on the agenda.

"Internally we are going to see every single player because regardless of ability, they're all important to the club," Louder said. "The main focus is to keep what we've got."

Louder confirmed wingman Brad Harricks and versatile big man Michael Wood would be leaving the club because they're moving out of the area.

Hosking, who played in Ararat's 1986 Wimmera Football League premiership side, said he was hoping to lift Ararat up the ladder in the coming seasons.

"We've got to improve on last season," he said.

"Last year we had four or five wins clearly we've got to do better than that.

"We want to be playing finals within two seasons."

The Rats start their pre-season in mid-November.

Experienced runner and fitness guru Marcus Cooper will help out with training.