Steve Johnson named coach of Ovens and Murray league club Yarrawonga

An AFL champion is set to return to the blue and white hoops after being named the new coach of a country footy powerhouse.

Steve Johnson has been unveiled as the new coach of Yarrawonga. Picture: Getty

Steve Johnson is back in blue and white hoops — but they’re just different ones we’re used to seeing him in.

The three-time Geelong premiership player has been unveiled as the new coach of Ovens and Murray League powerhouse Yarrawonga for the next two seasons.

The Pigeons, who have a history of recruiting former AFL stars including Brendan Fevola, announced the 39-year-old as their new mentor at the club’s presentation evening on Friday.

Johnson, originally from Wangaratta, is making the move back to Victoria after leaving the GWS Giants where he had been an assistant coach since 2017 following a short stint with cross-town rivals Sydney.

In its announcement, Yarrawonga credited football director Leigh Ramsdale for sourcing the “best available coach” after outgoing coach Mark Whiley indicated his desire for the club to “source an experienced off-field coach”.

Steve Johnson and Tom Lonergan. Photo: AAP.

Johnson’s premiership teammate Tom Longeran also played a part in luring Johnson to the border town.

“The initial process led by Leigh Ramsdale explored contacts through Tom Lonergan and various other league football affiliations of the Pigeons, but the coup of landing Steve was an outcome the club could only have dreamt of when it kicked off the process mid-year,” Yarrawonga said in a statement.

“The outcome is a testament to commitment and drive of Leigh and coach Mark, to improve not only the playing group, but the club as a whole.

“While Steven’s football and coaching pedigree speaks for itself, with 293 AFL games and over 500 goals, combined with experience with both the Sydney Swans and GWS as an assistant coach, the club is equally excited about the addition of Steve’s family to our junior programs.

The Pigeosn in action against Wangaratta Magpies in the grand final. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

“That, combined with his love for the area (in particular the golf and water skiing) means Yarrawonga was the perfect destination to raise a family, surrounded by family.

“Steve and his family will relocate to the area soon with his children to attend school locally.”

Yarrawonga narrowly fell short if its first premiership since 2013 this season after going down to Wangaratta, who are coached by former Collingwood defender Ben Reid, by three points in a thrilling grand final.

Whiley is set to remain on board as a player in 2023.

“Mark was appointed into the role in 2019 after the Pigeons missed the finals for the first time since 2005 and his rebuild of the playing list through the addition of some players, but primarily through the development of club’s of younger players, from young players with potential to young men with a desire to compete, has been first class,” the club said.