Riverina Lions are on the hunt for a new coach after premiership-winning mentor Jed Lawton called time on his stint with the club.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lawton was in charge of the Lions for their breakthrough success in 2018 as well as last year's successful defence of their AFL Canberra regional women's title.
Lions president Amy Coote said Lawton will be hard to replace, and won't be forgotten.
"It's a shame because he's such a great coach," Coote said.
"He's definitely left his mark on the club. Our club's always had a family feeling but he brought us that little bit closer together.
"Just with his experience in football and his passion, it really rubbed off on everyone and brought a lot to the club."
The Lions started to look for a replacement 12 months ago before convincing the coach to lead their bid for back-to-back flags.
"He wasn't going to coach last year but he stuck around. He loves us that much he couldn't leave," Coote said.
"But it's a big commitment being involved with our club with the training and the travel, it takes a lot of time, and he's got work commitments and he wants to spend more time with family."
Lawton's departure will leave a hole but he also leaves a club that's learnt how to win.
The Lions had built a reputation for being the bridesmaid after six grand final losses since they came into being in 2003, before the drought-breaking win two years ago.
"We want to keep that winning streak going but every year is a new year," Coote said.
"We're looking for someone dedicated and who can commit to the role, someone who can work across all age groups because we're not just an open club, we've got good young players coming up as well as experienced players."
Coote said the club will head into 2020 with significant changes, including best-and-fairest Kate McGrath (nee Crompton) and runner-up Georgina Bennett moving on, as well as Kate Forrest.
"Players come, players go, coaches come, coaches go. We've lost a few players but we'll gain a few," she said.
The Riverina Lions will again play in the expanding Southern NSW Women's competition which begins in February this year.
But Coote confirmed it would remain a pre-season preparation for the club, rather than the main focus, as they build towards another AFL Canberra campaign.
MORE SPORTS NEWS right here
