The former Western Bulldogs star’s name had been linked with the position pretty much from the time Paul Hudson declared he would be standing down after two years and taking a break from coaching.

Gilbee is a development coach with the Sandy’s VFL affiliate St Kilda and has been with the club since the end of 2013.

In that time he has been a regular at Zebra matches.

“As a St Kilda development coach he has worked with our coaches and players over the past three years,’’ Sandringham general manager John Mennie said.

“Lindsay is respected by everyone at the Zebras and we look forward to him guiding the club to a very successful season.’’

Gilbee said he was looking forward to his first senior coaching position.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to coach the Zebras and continue working with some of the young players in the Saints and Sandringham system,” he said.

Brilliantly skilled and one of the best kicks in the game, Gilbee made 206 appearances for the Western Bulldogs from 2001-2012.