Melbourne-born Tootell moved to Tasmania in grade 4 and attended Ravenswood primary and high schools, playing footy for South Launceston in the NTJFA and Eastern Suburbs before leaving the state to join the navy.

On Tuesday, Storm president Michelle Strickland announced Tootell would replace Mitch Hills as senior coach, and the 44-year-old father-of-two was busy planning his return from Cairns.

"Not much has changed and I've still got friends and family here, so I feel I never really left," he said.

"It's good to be back, I've got a big job to do but it's exciting times.

"The club has some challenges but I'm looking forward to taking them on and relishing the opportunity."

Strickland said the club was excited by the appointment as it looks to launch a new era in the State League.

"John grew up in Launceston and is determined to help the club cement its position, both as a highly competitive TSL team and also in the local community," she said.

"Over recent years he has undertaken a strong coaching apprenticeship in both Queensland and the ACT and has great experience in developing players."

Tootell's coaching record includes as reserves and assistant senior coach at Ainslie Football Club in the NEAFL (2012-13), assistant and then senior coach with the North Queensland representative team (2014-15) and senior coach with the Cairns City Lions this year.

He saw plenty of promise at the fledgling TSL club which announced what it called a rebranding to become the Prospect Hawks earlier this month.

"I understand the situation that the club is in and this is an exciting challenge within itself," Tootell said.

"My first task will be to build our list. I have already been speaking to as many of the 2015 Western Storm players as I can and I'm looking forward to working with our team of volunteers at the Prospect Hawks in an endeavour to build local community support for our club."

Strickland thanked Hills for his service, stepping up to head coach following premiership-winner Mitch Thorp's move to Glenelg two years ago.

"Mitch is someone we hope to have continue to be involved in the club as he has been a large part of it in its short time," she said.

"He showed great leadership and commitment by agreeing to step into the role of head coach of the TSL's newest team and has been a fantastic TSL player and a great ambassador for statewide league football."