Local footy: PEGS VAFA premiership coach Dane Pound steps down
The man who led PEGS to one of the most famous VAFA grand final victories in recent memory has stepped aside after taking charge in 2016.
Local Footy
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PEGS is searching for a new coach with premiership winner Dane Pound making the decision to step aside after a successful stint in the top job.
Pound took charge of the Victorian Amateur Football Association outfit in 2016 and steered it to a famous grand final triumph in his second season at the helm, with PEGS retrieving a 57-point deficit to knock off St Mary’s Salesian.
The club will return to Division 1 next year after finishing bottom of the Premier C ladder with two wins in 2019.
“He’s made a huge contribution to the club, not only as a coach and leader but his relationship with everyone – the players, committee and support staff – we’ve been really fortunate to have Dane as our coach for the past five years,” president Damien Cerantonio said.
“But in saying that, five years is a long time for anyone to be a coach of a local club.
“It’s sad in a way that Dane won’t be continuing on, but it’s also exciting to see what the next coach can be bring to the PEGS footy club.
“We’ve got an exciting young list … we’re really confident with what we can achieve in 2021.
“We’re an exciting club for a new coach to come to.”
Cerantonio said PEGS was not blindsided by Pound’s call following discussions about his future throughout the year.
“Dane’s got footy running through his blood, so I don’t think he’ll be a very good spectator,” he said.
“But in saying that, I think he will have 12 months off from coaching. I think Dane’s got a real bright coaching career ahead of him.
“He might take a little bit of time off, and then I wouldn’t be surprised seeing him be a senior coach again.”
PEGS is expecting to retain the majority of its senior squad for next season.
Cerantonio said “excitement was building” as a possible start to pre-season draws closer amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Football and football clubs are a really important part of the community in reconnecting with each other from a social and health point of view,” he said.
“The 2021 season will be unique, but hopefully by the time we get there it is a normal season and we can get back to enjoying what we do on a Saturday.”
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