Fielke will guide the team when it plays against other State country and city sides in Victoria and is looking forward to the chance to coach the best country footballers in the State.

“It is a great opportunity as a country football coach,” he said.

“It improves your coaching; you have to be really switched on.

“You don’t get a chance to coach at a higher level in country football.”

Fielke’s appointment comes after he coached SA Country to a win against SA City by 39 points in an annual pre-season clash at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The side, featuring River Murray footballers Ryan Morris and Roger Puckridge, led from early in the first quarter and were never challenged.

The game gave Ramblers player Morris, and Imperials player Puckridge, the opportunity to stake a claim for a berth in the SA side that will contest the Australian Country Football Championships.

Fielke said he was pleased with his side’s win over SA City.

“We won pretty well; actually it was easier than I expected,” he said.

“We were just hoping to perform well.

“The fact that we won by so much is a bonus.”

Fielke said he would continue to coach Imperials and made it clear that he had no present desires to coach in Adelaide in the near future.

“I really enjoy coaching country footy,” he said.

“With family and work it (coaching in Adelaide) is not an option.

“I want to go as high as I can at country level.

“At the moment my major goal is to develop Imperials as the best possible club it can be.”