VAFA 2020: Power House appoints Anthony McMahon as senior coach
The House were quick to lock in former Gippslander Anthony McMahon when he departed South Melbourne Districts, and they’re confident he’s the man to steer their young list to success.
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Power House president Nic Pavlou knows not every coach suits every club.
But he believes Anthony McMahon, coming off a two-year stint at fellow VAFA club South Melbourne Districts, is the right fit for the green and gold in 2020.
McMahon was a distinguished player in Gippsland football, playing more than 300 games for Glengarry. He was captain of the club for eight years, won best and fairests, played in premierships and also had a season as senior coach.
Pavlou said his club was quick to sound out McMahon when he departed South Melbourne Districts, interviewed him and assessed him as the coach around whom it could build for the future.
Power House finished eighth in Division 2 last season.
Pavlou said the House was planning for sustained success rather than scheming for a quick fix.
He sees it as similar to the approach taken in 2013, when a five-year plan culminated in a 2017 Division 3 grand final appearance.
“We’ve stayed there (Division 2) for two years in a row, which is good. You don’t want to go up and straight back down,’’ Pavlou said.
“Where we’re at now is, we’ve got a new young coach in Anthony and we’re building a young list that can take us forward into 2021, 2022 and beyond.
“In terms of our coaching position for 2020, we wanted youth, we wanted energy, we wanted something different. Fresh ideas. There’s something about him (McMahon). South Districts went for a change of direction and didn’t reappoint him, and when we heard that, we couldn’t wait to speak to him because when he went there two years ago we knew he had a very good resume. If someone that didn’t suit South Districts suits us, I’m happy to try to replicate what Uni High have done with Brendan Payne.
“I’m excited about it. You can already see the way the players are responding. It’s a really young group, the youngest we’ve had for 10 years.’’
It’s headed by 23-year-old Ben Circosta, who has jagged three of the past four best and fairests.
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Aside from his many years on the Gippsland football scene, McMahon had a role at Northern Knights in the NAB League, serving as head of fitness of the Academy squad and strength and conditioning co-ordinator of the Under 18 team.
Power House has installed a strong football department to support McMahon, led by former premiership captain and senior coach Darren Cooper.
It includes former first-class cricketer Adam Crosthwaite in a player development role.
Pavlou said the club expected to have a string of recruits.
Pavlou is entering his 11th season as president and his 40th year at Power House.
A 296-game player, he said his passion for the club continued to run deep.
“It’s been Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday for many years … it still means something special,’’ he said.
For the past two years Power House has also fielded a women’s team. It will again be under the guidance of coach Phil Mackney.
“What they have brought to our club is phenomenal, both on and off the field, Pavlou said.
“Players like 2019 best and fairest Lisa McCombs, inspirational captain Anna Kennedy and super-skilled players Karina Morgan and Steph Conlon show that if you put the hard work in, you will reap the rewards.”
The club is based at Ross Gregory Reserve in Albert Park and its rooms overlook the lake and the city of Melbourne.
It’s a grand vista, and hopefully for the green and gold they can enjoy a similar view on the Division 2 ladder this year.