And the news gets even better for Bears’ fans, with Meningie also securing the services of former Adelaide star Andrew McLeod,pictured right.

Motlop, who played 13 games for Port this year, replaces Jamie Gibbs, who decided the 2011 season would be his last.

Confirmation of the Motlop appointment came on Wednesday and the star took to Twitter, tweeting, “Well officially the Meningie coach, bring on 2012. Daniel Pearces (sic) junior club, exciting times for the club.”

Meningie Football Club secretary Rob Lawson said the appointment of the AFL star was exciting for the club and followed a lengthy process to find the right person for the job.

“We set up a sub-committee at the end of July to look for a new coach and had a few prospects,” he said.

“He can bring some new enthusiasm - we’ve had some lean years but we hope he brings a new perspective.”

Motlop said he was thrilled to join Meningie.

“I’m pretty excited, obviously I had a few offers to consider, like returning to Darwin, but having lived in Adelaide for the past six years I decided to stay here and was happy when this came up.”

Motlop said he would look to bring in a few new players to complement what he described as a good, young list.

“I’ll have Andrew McLeod playing for me, that’s definite,” he said.

“He’ll play when he is available and finals.

“So hopefully between myself and Andrew we can help out some of the younger players.”

The Bears finished bottom this season winning three games, including a win against premiers Imperials and two other finalists.

Motlop was at his new club on Sunday and said he would visit again this week.

“I headed down to Meningie yesterday to check out the oval and met the reserves coach which was good,” he said.

His appointment makes him one of two AFL-experienced playing coaches in the River Murray Football?Leauge, with former Adelaide footballer Chris Ladhams resuming his role at Jervois next season.

Motlop said the squad would begin training in the new year.