Demaria, 28, played with Yeronga-South Brisbane last season in the state association of the Queensland Australia Football League.

He is originally from Woorinen in the Central Murray Football League.

The key position defender also played with Boort in the North Central Football League in 2003 and coached Quambatook in the Golden Rivers Football League in 2006.

Demaria said he was looking forward to returning to coaching.

"It's going to be a really good challenge for me," he said.

"Laharum has such a young side, with a good nucleus of the side aged between 18 and 20. That's the most exciting part for me."

Demaria said the offer to lead the young Laharum side was too good to refuse.

"I wasn't really thinking about coaching, I just wanted to try to find a good social club to play with to enjoy my football," he said.

"When I spoke to Laharum they asked me if I was interested in coaching and it got me thinking. I thought, 'why not?'

"Laharum has a good young list that I think I can help to improve."

Demaria said he planned to be active in bringing new players to the club.

"I've got quite a few contacts and mates from Swan Hill, Ballarat and Melbourne who I'll be talking to," Demaria said.

"My main goal will be to improve on the club's deficiencies from last season and to work closely with the younger guys."

Laharum football development officer Brian Burke said the club was looking forward to working with Demaria.

"Marcus is new and will bring a fresh approach to the club," he said.

"The more we have talked to him, the more excited we are about what he has to offer."

Burke said 2010 coach Damien Bunworth would remain with the club as a player.