The lure of being able to coach in his home town was a major factor for Mark Pedersen taking on the Melton South football coaching job.
After months of searching, the Ballarat Football League club appointed Pedersen to the role in late October.
He was set to continue his role with VFL club Coburg before the Panthers got in touch.
“It was a very late appointment and I had just been reappointed at Coburg,” Pedersen said.
“I live in Melton and, being at VFL level, it’s very full on.
“I was sick of travelling and was approached by Melton South. It was hard to leave Coburg as it’s every coach’s dream to coach at that level.”
Pedersen, a premiership coach with Romsey in the Riddell District Football League, says he’s excited by the challenge ahead.
“They seemed very enthusiastic and I know a lot of people at Melton south; it was my brother’s club.
“They finished second-bottom and I love a challenge. I feel like I can do something.
“The challenge inspires me and the players I have met … a lot of young kids who want to learn about the game and improve.”
He said the club would build around its younger players.
“We are forming a new, exciting culture at this club,” he said.
“The under-18 team finished on top of the ladder and they’re exciting young players.
“If I can introduce some exciting senior players, we will get the right mix and anything is possible.
“I want players at the club for the right reasons and I’m happy with who we have here,” Pedersen told Star Weekly.
Joining Pedersen in the coaches’ box is former AFL player Darren Stanley and Panthers favorite son Shane Geddes.
“Any player coming into the club will get coaching equal to or better than anything in the BFL and RDFL,” Pederson said.
He said the club would announce some signings once they became official.
As well as looking to develop the club, Pedersen wants to develop the players to be the best they can.
“I certainly want to help them achieve the dream of playing at the highest level they want to,” he said.
“If we have young players who can play TAC or VFL, I will be pushing them in that direction.”
