Wood comes to the Eels with experience as coach at Swan Athletic Football Club, including four years as head coach of the A-grade amateur team.
Most recently, he was a playing assistant coach at Williams this year, and helped the team to a premiership.
Vice president Adrian Hughes said Wood had a lot to offer the club.
“Having being exposed to professional environments as a former Geelong, Western Bulldogs and Peel Thunder listed-player, Justin brings the experience and high standards that the club needs as we strive for improvement both on and off field,” he said.
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Other coaching appointments for 2017 included Kevin Andrews as reserves coach, Paul Saylor as colts coach and Jeremy Thorn as thirds coach.
Long time member Andrew Coxall has been appointed president for the 2017 season.