He will join non-playing coach Sam Hall at the helm.
Holobowski played in the club’s 2003, 2004 and 2011 premiership sides, and has also won two flags with Wycheproof Narraport in the years since.
The club also confirmed star onballer Todd Gallagher as an assistant coach for 2020.
“It’s pretty special for me, being able to come home to the club I love and help Sam and Gags (Gallagher) develop what looks to be such a promising young side,” Holobowski said.
“I played in a flag with them (Hall and Gallagher) in 2011 and I’ve got so many great memories and have all my best friends through the Rams; it’s a great club and a great place for young men and women to be around.
“I’ll be moving back to town (from Bendigo) with my wife and baby around Christmas time and at this stage my plan is to be a playing coach.
“I’m 34 now and virtually had last year off footy, so there’s no guarantee, but I’m confident I’ll be playing and providing some guidance to the young blokes on the field alongside Gags.
“Coaching is something I’ve wanted to do and when Sam started the conversation with me, I didn’t take much convincing.”
Hall — who led the side to a 6-12 win-loss record in his first year of coaching — said he was rapt to have Holobowski and Gallagher by his side.
“They’re quality blokes who have the club’s best interests at heart and there’s a lot of respect for them from those around the club,” Hall said.“If Tim’s body’s right, we know what he brings as an experienced onballer.
“Todd’s just a quality footballer and his leadership skills are invaluable. He’s coached the side before and will be another on-field leader for us.”
Holobowski joins Jack Tyndall and Darcy Pogue as 2011 premiership players returning to the club, which Hall said would only help his young side.
“Jack and Darcy are still young men themselves and were just teenagers in 2011. I’m really looking forward to what they’ll bring to the side as well.
“Darcy hasn’t played a lot of footy in the past couple of seasons but is very keen to get back in the Rams jumper and find his best form, and I’m rapt about that. He’s a great bloke as well.
“Jack comes back after a stint as the Blighty coach and he’s a real leader amongst men and will no doubt have an influence. It’s an exciting time ahead but we know we have a lot of work to do.”
Deniliquin starts pre-season training this Thursday at 6pm at the Hardinge St oval. The club will have nine training sessions before the Christmas break.
Hall said some of the players had already been working hard in the club gym over the past month, doing some core work and boxing with Terry Blake and Duncan McQuie.
“Terry and Duncan have been doing this kind of training for many years and we’re lucky to have them on board in that capacity. They’re teaching the lads about core strength and we want our guys to take that on themselves over the pre-season.
“We’re looking forward to starting training proper and all footballers are welcome to join in, even if they haven’t decided where they’re playing next year.
“One of our team values is inclusiveness, so anyone who turns up will be made very welcome.”
If you’re interested in joining the Rams, you can contact Sam Hall on 0408 425 777.
