Outer East league: Pakenham appoints Paul Carbis as senior coach, locks in recruits

The Lions’ new coach believes he’s landed one of local football’s plum jobs. He explains why and reveals a package of recruits.

New Pakenham coach Paul Carbis (middle), with recruits Kaleb Brice (left) and Cooper Reilly.

He did his homework.

Paul Carbis examined Pakenham’s playing list and watched the Lions play in the Outer East league finals in September.

When the opportunity arose to coach them, he jumped at it.

Carbis believes Pakenham is bursting with potential.

“When I was coaching (Garfield) last season I had a look to see how they were doing and I had a look at their player points and most of their players were one pointers,” he said.

“I think they only had one or two who were more than one so there’s a bit of potential there.

“And I had a look at them in their two finals games and they were quite impressive to be honest.

“I thought they could do with a little bit of structure and once I got the job and met with the leadership group they were saying the same thing, they needed some more experience and structure.

“I thought, ‘great, that’s exactly what I can bring’, so it’s a good match.”

Paul Carbis coaching Nunawading in 2010.

Carbis, 54, is one of the most experienced coaches in local football.

He’s been a senior coach at a raft of clubs including Nunawading, North Ringwood, Chelsea, Leongatha and Garfield.

Carbis, who played with Box Hill in the VFA, also boasts vast VFL coaching experience, as senior assistant at Frankston and development league coach at Coburg and Casey.

He steered Leongatha to a premiership in 2018.

“Now here we are,” Carbis said.

“Time goes pretty quick. You learn along the way.’’

Carbis, who replaces Ash Green, wants to help Pakenham climb the rungs in Outer East Premier division and challenge the likes of Wandin and Narre Warren.

Kaleb Brice lays a tackle. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Pakenham has begun recruiting, signing Officer ruckman Kaleb Brice, Cora Lynn small forward/midfielder Jai Rout and Garfield ruckman Cooper Reilly.

“He’s a giant, he’s untapped,” Carbis said of Brice.

“There are probably one or two from Garfield who will come across and then there’s a couple of boys who left Pakenham are looking at coming back.

“The main list has signed. That was pleasing.”

Carbis said he’s excited by the new challenge of steering the Lions.

“I am. I was pretty down after Garfield and then after watching these guys play, speaking to them and meeting the group I’m pumped, can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Pakenham was 8-10 in 2023; the Lions beat Upwey Tecoma in the elimination final before losing to Woori Yallock by 13 points in the first semi-final.