It’s an exciting new era for South Morang under new coach Matt Penn in the Northern Football League division 2 competition.
After eight seasons, two premierships and going from division 3 through to division 1, the Lions will have a new coach with Gary Hall stepping down.
Penn, who has been a senior assistant coach at Hurstbridge the past three seasons, will replace him in the role.
Penn said after being involved in football his whole life, he was keen to take on the main coaching role.
“I’ve always been involved in footy, playing or coaching,” he said. “I was involved in junior footy for seven years and more recently with Hurstbridge.
“It’s been great being an assistant coach and it’s been a great learning curve. I learned a hell of a lot in three years.
“There was the ambition to one day to have a senior position. It was about timing and opportunity and this seemed like the right time to take the opportunity.”
Penn is no stranger to South Morang.
Both of his children have played at the club with his daughter still playing there.
He also coached juniors at the club.
“I’ve had an affiliation with the club in a different program,” he said. “I thought it was a good fit for me and it is local.
“I know a number of people and there’s a young group coming through who have been through the under-19s.
“Some were in colts while I was coaching.”
The Lions will drop down to division 2 after only one season in division 1 having finished bottom after a challenging season.
Several key players have been announced as signing elsewhere since the season ended.
Penn said it was the start of a new era.
“You look at so many departures, but it opens up opportunities for others to thrive,” he said.
“Development and progress. Sometimes change is hard but it is exciting for the young players to play senior football.”
Penn said there was still plenty of talent in the current playing group and they were keen for the challenge the next 12-18 months.
The Lions have been adding some new signings with the club working behind the scenes for six to seven weeks.
Ethan Lowe is the biggest signing so far. He is a young up and coming key forward who is keen to elevate his fitness and take his game to another level.
Anthony Bradford and Nick Lawson are other signings announced.
Penn said they were still taking to other players and hoped to sign a couple more.
He said they set no ceiling on what they can achieve next season.
“It will be a different method to what has been successful,” he said. “We will never forget what we’ve done.
“We’ll look forward with an eye on the future and take the game to another level. We would love to bounce back up into division one.
“Earley conversations with senior players, they are keen to work hard.”
