Steve Power is following in the steps of his father by being named coach of Mernda Football Club.
Power, who played with the club in the early 2000s, was assistant coach at the Demons this year and will replace Jason Ford, who took on the role for just a year.
For Power it’s an honour to coach the same club as his father, Terry Power, did.
“I’ve got a good feel for the group and the club, having been here this year,” he said.
“It allowed me to get to know the club and it’s been an easy step up so far.
“There’s family history at the club. My father was captain and coached the club. I played here in 2001 and 2002.
“It’s sort of an honour to coach the club my father was coach and player at. Hopefully, I’ll get the same respect.”
It’s not the first time Power has been a senior coach. He previously coached fellow Northern Football League division 3 side Epping, getting the Pingers to the division 3 grand final in 2015.
Power said knowing both the Demons and the competition would hopefully be beneficial come next year.
“I have some experience at the last club with going to a grand final,” he said.
“Hopefully it holds me in good stead. I’ve been in this division … it has great players and a great competition.
“I think St Marys will be the big improvers, while Epping and South Morang will be up there again.”
Power said that while it was a young and exciting playing group that attracted him to the role, the club would be looking to add some experienced midfielders.
“We don’t have to change a lot,” he said.
Both Power and Demons president Vinny Hanlon said they would use the disappointing end to this year as motivation for next season.
The Demons were in the top four all season before falling out in the final round.
“We were unlucky,” Hanlon said.
“I thought at times we were the best team, but we had six or seven injuries two weeks out from finals. There are some players you can’t replace.”
Hanlon said it was an easy decision to appoint Power to replace Ford. He said Ford wasn’t able to continue in the role due to other commitments.
“He brings a lot to the table, including structures, and knows a lot of people,” he said.
“It’s nice when a coach comes in and knows playing group.”
