Norm Smith Medallist Shannon Grant will coach in the Southern league next year

301 games of AFL experience is coming to the Southern league, with a well-known figure set to coach a flag contender. See the latest details.

Peter Bell (from left), Norm Smith medallist Shannon Grant, Cameron Mooney, David King and John Blakey singing after the final siren. 1999 Grand Final. North Melbourne (Kangaroos) v Carlton. MCG.

Southern league Division 4 grand finalists Hampton have unveiled 1999 Norm Smith Medallist Shannon Grant as its next senior coach.

The Hammers made the grand final in 2023 under Jamie Marshall, but ultimately fell to an all-conquering South Mornington side.

Marshall has stepped away to spend more time with his family.

Grant played 301 games at AFL level at Sydney and, more predominantly, North Melbourne, where he played a starring role in the Kangaroos last flag.

Once retired, Grant coached the Frankston Dolphins and the then Bendigo Bombers in the VFL before having roles at the Western Bulldogs, Greenvale and then St Kevin’s.

Grant joined the Hammers prior to the 2023 season as the club’s director of coaching before stepping into the new role ahead of next year.

“I have already had a fair bit to do with the place over the last 12 months and have really enjoyed myself,” he said.

“I have got to know a lot of good people, a lot of good families that are involved in the club.

“The main reason for me getting involved was the people, they treated me really well but, more importantly, they treated my kids really well.

“Off the back of that, I was more than happy to come across to help out.”

Shannon Grant will coach Hampton. Picture: Graham Crouch.

Picture: Valeriu Campan

After a turbulent 2022, the Hammers have placed a focus on becoming a strong cultured club that locals want to be a part of.

Grant hopes to continue that trajectory.

“Pretty much the same as what we wanted to build on last year, which was to build a really good culture,” he said of his objective as coach.

“We’re on the way to it, we made big inroads this year with a young group.

“I guess the big thing for us is we’re really big on making sure we continue to grow, evolve and target local kids – that’s the most important thing.

“We’ve gone from having 17, 18 players this time last year to playing nearly 75 players this year, we’re on the right track.

“Hopefully we can create an environment for kids to not only enjoy their footy but make some long-lasting friendships, relationships and make a difference in the community.”

The Hammers, along with Moorabbin Kangaroos, should be among the stronger teams in Division 4 next season.