The Penguin product this week was announced as Williamstown's senior coach for next year's "VFL and East Coast second-tier competition", a competition which will feature AFL reserves, aligned teams and stand-alone clubs, including teams from the NEAFL.

Plapp had previously been on Melbourne's coaching staff, having coached its VFL affiliate Casey Demons as well as the VFL representative side during that period of time from 2015.

The 43-year-old was in charge of the Burnie Dockers in the NTFL and TSL in 2008 and 2009, which came after playing 44 games for Richmond and St Kilda from 1998 to 2002.

"I'm just really excited to be able to coach a strong, non-aligned, VFL club with such a rich history," Plapp said on Williamstown's website.

"It is a club that is so respected in the football industry and I look forward to playing my role in continuing the tradition of success."

Plapp has a previous connection to the Seagulls, having coached the club's development league in 2011.

He has also had coaching stints with the Tasmania Devils in the VFL, Box Hill and Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup.

Plapp is the second Coastal product to be confirmed as senior coach in a mainland state league in recent times after Devonport's Jade Rawlings earlier this month was locked in at Norwood in the SANFL.