Lonergan bound for SA
LAUNCESTON will need to find a new coach for the 2019 TSL season with Sam Lonergan making the move to SANFL side Woodville-West Torrens.
Having played 81 AFL games for Essendon and Richmond, Lonergan returned to his home club of Launceston to coach in 2017.
Now the 31-year-old will be furthering his coaching career after signing a two-year deal as senior coach at the Eagles.
“I mean no disrespect to Tasmanian football but the SANFL is the second-tier competition in Australia, with the AFL being No.1,” Lonergan said. “The TSL is realistically a tier-four or five comp. I wanted to progress my coaching and continue to grow.”
Having taken Launceston to third on the ladder this season before being knocked out in straight sets in the finals, Lonergan is certain the club has a strong future.
“The club’s culture is really strong and it’s in a good position financially compared to what it has been the last eight or nine years,” he said.
“They are getting things right at the top.
“That’s what makes a good club and we are seeing this filter down into the juniors and women’s teams.”
Launceston’s process to find its next coach will start immediately and the club has several options, according to president Sandra Boland.
“We had a board meeting and threw ideas around about what type of person we want,” Boland said. “If they are from inside the club, an external person or even from another state that’s something we’ll look at during our selection process.”
Boland wished Lonergan the best for his and his family’s future and said he left the club in great condition.
“The personal interest Sam had for the club meant he gave his heart to us and has left the club in a successful position,” Boland said.