South Morang’s emerging young list was what attracted Dean Grainger to apply for the Lions senior coaching job.
The club announced last week that Grainger will take on the top job at the Northern Football League club replacing Craig Lambert.
Lambert stood down at the end of the season after taking the Lions to this year’s division 3 preliminary final, which they lost by five points.
Grainger comes to the Lions having spent the last three years at fellow NFL club Heidelberg in a number of different coaching roles.
He has spent the last 28 years either playing or coaching football, including coaching since 2010.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” the new Lions coach said this week.
“It’s professional club which has a group of young players with a couple of experienced players as well.
“They have a strong junior program and all three senior sides finished on top of the ladder.”
Grainger said while being involved in a club in a different division he had still paid attention to the going ons at the Lions.
“I keep watch of the scores in division 1, division 2 and division 3,” he said.
“I grew up in Bundoora and have always watched the sides around that area.”
The development of the younger players played a big part in the move for the one time AFL listed player.
“The juniors and senior parts of the club have a really close relationship.
“The majority of the players at the club have come through the junior program.”
Improving on last year’s preliminary final appearance is the goal for Grainger.
“Obviously you want club to improve and win premiership, and get the club into the division they believe that they belong in.
“I’ve been in contact with a few players and met some of the playing group and I’m looking to touch base with a few still.
“I’ve spoke to the leaders from last year and identified a couple of positions and players we want to look at.
“You don’t want to go overboard. You don’t finish on top of the ladder for no reason.”
