Epping has locked in its coach for next season as it faces a return to NFNL Division 3

Epping has locked in its coach for 2024 with club great Brad Hollow stepping up from interim to senior coach.

Epping has locked in Brad Hollow as coach for 2024. Picture: Nathan McNeill

Epping has locked in a club great as coach for 2024.

Brad Hollow will step up from his interim role to senior coach next season.

He took the reins mid-season after the NFNL Division 2 club parted ways with co-coaches Aaron Newport and Glen Lehner.

Hollow played almost 200 games for the Pingers after coming across from VFL club Williamstown, winning a best-and-fairest.

The star midfielder earned three NFNL Team of the Year guernseys and was named in the centre and vice-captain of club’s Team of the Decade.

Luke Lirosi in action for Epping. Picture: Nathan McNeill

Epping president Kirsty Stilsby said the club was thrilled to have Hollow commit.

“I think it’s a very good decision for the club,” she said.

“The majority of our members and obviously our playing group is thrilled to have him on board.

“We didn’t know what he was going to do but since taking on the interim role he will continue on next season.

“His outlook on the club, the fact he’s so passionate about it, will stem through to the playing group.

“He’s always spoken so highly of the club, since his playing days.”

With one game remaining in the home-and-away season Epping faces relegation back to Division 3 for the first time since 2017.

The Pingers will need to upset Panton Hill at Cracknell Reserve and hope South Morang gets the job done against Lower Plenty to survive.

While Hollow hasn’t been able to secure a win since taking over, there has been some promising performances.

Epping led Northcote Park at half-time, came within 19 points of Eltham and pushed high-flying St Mary’s to 13 points.

Jordan Hollow, Brad’s son, Bailey Caldow and Daniel Rahklin have been shinning lights in a tough season, while skipper Leigh Judd and veteran Luke Lirosi have led tirelessly.

Stilsby’s is confident Hollow will set the club up strongly for 2023, whether its in Division 2 or 3.

“Player retention will be extremely important and with Brad continuing on, he’s got the respect of the players, it will be a hell of a lot easier,” she said.

“Absolutely, the performances have been improved, we’re getting there.

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“The biggest downfall we’re seeing now is the pre-season commitment wasn’t there.

“He’s been pretty stern with his intentions since taking over and what he expects and that won’t change.”

Since accepting an offer to step up to Division 2, Epping has struggled for success.

The Pingers won six games in their first season up in 2018 but just one in 2019, avoiding relegation in a league restructure, and two in 2021 and 2022.