Mark Pederson will coach Melton South footy club next season.
The Ballarat Football League club made the announcement last week, bringing an end to a three-month search.
Pederson joins the Panthers after a year at VFL side Coburg, where he worked as an assistant to Peter German.
He has also previously coached Romsey to the Riddell District Football League’s 2011 premiership.
Melton South president Peter Earl said he was rapt to have someone of Pederson’s experience on board.
“I’ve known Mark for 30-odd years and he’s a very disciplined sort of person,” Earl said.
“He comes to the club from outside after working at Coburg for the last 12 months.
“He impressed us with the attitude he brings to the club.
“He’s very enthusiastic to be working with young players and he’s able to bring a couple of players that he knows may strengthen us down the spine.
“He lives in the town, which is more convenient as well, and he has a good network of people he can talk to and help us along the way.”
Pederson replaces outgoing Melton South coach and club legend Mathew Sutton, who stepped down at the end of the season.
It was tough final season at the Panthers for Sutton. The club won just two games and finished 10th on the BFL ladder.
Earl is hoping for a quick turnaround in form.
“It’s good to have a coach appointed,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of enthusiasm around the club with the appointment.
“Everyone is looking forward to preseason training and then away we go with the start of the season.”
The Panthers will begin preseason training this month.
All 11 BFL clubs now have their coaches locked away for season 2015.
