North Shore signs Mark Hounslow as new coach after successful stint at Balwyn under Brenton Sanderson

North Shore has a new coach, who has been working with a former AFL coach and 199-game Cat.

Mark Hounslow is the new coach of North Shore.

North Shore has found its new coach with Mark Hounslow returning to the Geelong region to take on the role.

He replaces former coach Darren Winter, who coached the club for four seasons while based in Tasmania during a challenging time on-field for the Seagulls.

Hounslow came with the recommendation of former Adelaide coach and Geelong star Brenton Sanderson and impressed the Seagulls during the interview process.

He was an assistant coach under Sanderson at the premiership-winning Eastern league side Balwyn this season.

Hounslow said he is eager to improve the fortunes of North Shore.

Mark Hounslow is North Shore's new coach. Picture: Supplied

“I’m incredibly excited to join such a storied club,” Mark said.

“North Shore has an amazing history, emerging players, and an appetite to improve. I’m ready to bring my energy and vision to take this club to the next level.”

This approach aligns perfectly with North Shore’s values and our vision to build on our rich history while driving success on the field.“I’m incredibly excited to join such a storied club,” Mark said.

“North Shore has an amazing history, emerging players, and an appetite to improve. I’m ready to bring my energy and vision to take this club to the next level,” Hounslow said.

Seagulls president Dale Purcell labelled it as a “new era” for North Shore.

“We believe Mark is the perfect fit to lead us into the future. His passion for developing young talent, the care for his players and his tactical expertise will be key to our success,” Purcell said.

“As we gear up for the upcoming season, the entire club community is eager to see what Mark will bring to the club. We welcome him and his family to the North Shore family and look forward to an exciting new chapter for the club.”

Hounslow’s stint with Balwyn came after he was sensationally sacked nine months into his tenure at Geelong & District side North Geelong in July 2022 for comments he made about GDFNL rival Corio, which then Magpies president Jason Habib said was the “last straw”.

Hounslow labelled North Geelong’s own comments about him as “insulting” at the time.

He also spent time in the elite talent pathway with the Western Jets and Coburg in the VFL and was senior assistant and U18 coach with Wanderers in the Northern Territory league for the 2023/24 season.

Hounslow held various coaching roles with Grovedale, Newtown & Chillwell and Geelong West in the past.

The Seagulls signed Bailey St John from Otway Districts in the past week and the club expects to announce more recruits now that their coach has been confirmed.

Originally published as North Shore signs Mark Hounslow as new coach after successful stint at Balwyn under Brenton Sanderson