Steve Layt retires on a high after leading Panton Hill to NFL Division 3 premiership and promotion

Steve Layt has stepped down as Panton Hill coach after leading the Redbacks to the NFL Division 3 premiership and promotion, saying it’s time for a “young, energetic coach” to take over.

Panton Hill coach Steve Layt and captain Mitchell Anderson. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Panton Hill premiership coach Steve Layt has retired on a high.

After Layt steered the Redbacks to the ultimate prize in NFL Division 3, they will embark on their first Division 2 campaign since 2017 with a new coach.

The respected mentor had been in charge at Cracknell Reserve for the past two seasons and said now was the perfect time to step away.

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“I’ve been at it for 15 years, in various roles with four different clubs, and thankfully had success at each of them,” Layt said.

“It was a two-year plan to get us into Division 2 with a bit of momentum, which we’ve done, and then step aside for a younger, more energetic coach who can take them to the next level.

“It’s an attractive job, there’s a fair bit of interest in it.”

Panton Hill coach Steve Layt and captain Mitchell Anderson. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The club has started the process to find Layt’s successor.

After losing the 2018 Division 3 grand final, Panton Hill was the dominant team – alongside Laurimar – in the competition, losing just two games.

The Redbacks knocked off South Morang in the decider by 40 points to secure their return to the second tier.

The announcement was made after the grand final victory, but Layt will retain a connection with Panton Hill.

“I’ve got a lot happening in my life ... it’s just perfect timing for me,” he said.

“I’m not going away, I’m stepping back into a different role within the club, a support role for the club and senior group.”

Retiring Panton Hill coach Steve Layt. Picture: Josie Hayden

In a Facebook post, Layt spoke of his pride in his premiership team.

“To my premiership senior squad, I just can’t thank you enough,” he wrote.

“I’m lucky in that I get to finish my coaching stint as a senior premiership coach, which to me is very special, and each and every one of you had an impact on that result.

“Looking forward to the next chapter, and helping you guys in any way I can.”

With Layt’s retirement, five of the nine Division 3 clubs will have new coaches in 2020.

Old Eltham Collegians, Mernda and Heidelberg West are searching for new coaches, while Reservoir has appointed Jason Hamilton after parting ways with David Nelson mid-season.

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