The ACT Brumbies are set to open discussions to keep McKellar at the helm of the Super Rugby AU grand final winners until the end of 2023.

McKellar turned down an opportunity to join the Wallabies as forwards coach and a contract extension in Canberra is seen as a move which could usher in another Brumbies golden era.

"That was a tough decision without a doubt, I would have loved to have worked with those coaches. I think there are good times ahead for the Wallabies, I really do," McKellar said.

"There are good young players coming through and plenty of them were on show there tonight. I made the decision for a reason, I think I need to be around the Brumbies over the next few months.

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"It's pleasing to win any competition, I've won them at club rugby level, it's always special. With your competitive nature as individuals, you want to win everything you can. It was good to win and put some silverware in the cabinet."

Brumbies chief executive Phil Thomson will open discussions about locking McKellar and assistant Laurie Fisher in on long-term deals as the club hunts for a new attack coach with Peter Hewat bound for Japan.

The Brumbies' first grand final win in 16 years capped off a remarkable year for the club which was hit by bushfire smoke, mumps, and the coronavirus pandemic.

Through it all McKellar has remained determined to rise above adversity in search of the ultimate success, and Alaalatoa hopes this is just the beginning.

"It's really special, it's a credit to Dan as a coach for the sacrifice he is making for us," Alaalatoa said.

"Already he has a strong relationship with the players, and the huge sacrifice he is making is something the boys are grateful for.

"That relationship is only going to be stronger, especially with the sacrifice he is making to hang around and stick with the boys, making sure he builds a good program here and we continue to better. We're truly grateful."