Former deputy commissioner Trevor Albrecht has been appointed to the competition’s top job on the eve of the 2016 season.

It comes after Greg Schultz stepped down from the role.

Mr Schultz will remain on the commission for 2016.

Mr Albrecht, who lives and works at Nhill, said his rise to the top had been quicker than expected.

“I am excited about it because it is my third year on the commission and I didn’t expect to have the job that early,” he said.

“It is probably something I didn’t even think about as something I was going to do.

“I just enjoy football so much that it has just led to this earlier than I would have ever expected.”

Mr Schultz spent two years as chief commissioner of the league.

He said he had experienced a number of changes to Wimmera football in that time.

Mr Schultz decided to step down because he thought it was time for a fresh face to lead the competition.

“It was something I really enjoyed doing,” he said.

“But with changes to football and a few other things, I thought it was time for a change.

“You can’t hold the role forever. There has always been something in place where, after a period, the deputy can take over.

“There is no apprehension and I am staying on the commission. I wish Trevor all the best and I know he will be very diligent in what he does.”

Mr Schultz thanked all the clubs who him support during his time as the league’s chief commissioner.

Mr Albrecht will have plenty of extra work on his plate this year, with AFL Country Victoria set to introduce a salary cap and player point system.

He said the commission was already implementing plans to improve the Wimmera league’s structure and improve transparency between commissioners, clubs and players.

“We want to develop a forward-thinking strategic plan, so we are setting up portfolios now,” he said.

“We want to be more accountable as a commission.”