MPNFL: Devon Meadows appoints Ryan Hendy for the next two seasons

The Panthers have appointed a former Doveton champion as coach to boost their bid for a first senior premiership. And recruits are on the radar.

Ryan Hendy was a star player at Doveton.

Youth, recruits and a rigorous pre-season will form the foundations of Ryan Hendy’s coaching tenure at Devon Meadows.

The former Doveton best and fairest winner and Doveton Eagles premiership player was unveiled as Panthers coach on Saturday.

And he’s made his intentions clear; he’s hungry for success.

“We will be looking to have a really successful season from the word go,” he said.

Hendy, who for the past two years has been assistant coach at Beaconsfield, will take charge of a young and emerging Devon Meadows list which won seven of its 13 games in MPNFL Division 2 this year.

“I’ve seen there’s a wealth of junior kids coming through at the moment,’’ he said.

“The club has been thereabouts on the ladder over the last few years.

“I just see it as a really great opportunity to build the club and to try and get some success at the football club.

“I’m all for developing young kids, I take a lot of pride in that.

“I believe we can build a really good side, with the side that we had last year and with the young kids coming through.

“And we’re really confident we can add some really good recruits.’’

Ryan Hendy (middle) has been appointed coach of Devon Meadows for seasons 2022-23. Picture: Facebook

Hendy told Panthers players to expect a challenging pre-season campaign.

“I think the more you put into your training and the harder you are willing to work that’s what’s going to bring the winning culture,’’ he said.

“So be prepared for a pretty tough pre-season, boys.’’

Devon Meadows president Barry Parsons said Hendy was the “standout candidate’’ to replace Neil Craig and lead the club forward.

“We welcome him here to Glover Reserve and to be our coach for at least the next two years,” Parsons said.

115 games played for Devon Meadows 2 time Senior Best & Fairest winner

In other appointments, one of Devon Meadows’ most decorated players Scott Morrison is back at the club to coach the under-19s.

Morrison played 115 games for the Panthers and is a two-time senior best and fairest winner.

Former Mt Eliza president Dave Morrison has taken on the role of football manager along with Michael Addison.

“It’s an exciting time,” Parsons said.

“We will see some real uplift.”

Devon Meadows footy club was formed in 1979 and, despite having many champions and great sides, a senior premiership has proven elusive.

The Panthers’ only flag came in 2015 when their reserves side won the grand final at Frankston Park.