Sapphire Coast AFL best and fairest winner Scott Proctor will take over coaching of the dual premiership Pambula Panthers next season.
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Proctor said he was thrilled to take on the role and had received plenty of support from the club in accepting the top job.
On the back of two undefeated seasons, Proctor said he hoped to continue the success of former coach Sean Smith, but also work in developing the club’s junior grades.
The under 16s are a particular interest for the upcoming leader, who will look to the rising stars as the club’s future.
“I definitely want to keep rolling with the work Sean has done, but I am keen to ensure we are developing our juniors and securing a strong future for the club,” Proctor said.
“I want to keep working on our current group, but see a few of the younger guys get their first opportunity in the senior grade as well.”
The club boasts one of the youngest playing groups across the league and preliminary interest in good for the club to retain its current roster.
The new coach is eager to add a little bit of his own flavour to the coaching role and will continue to lead the squad from the field.
He joked he was just 22 and still had a few good playing years in him yet.
It can be difficult to manage affairs from the field so Proctor said he would certainly have people in place to support him in the role.
Some have already shown interest in supporting roles like managing the bench, but nothing has been set in stone yet.
Proctor said there would definitely be a strong group coordinating efforts to get the job done.
The club will start pre-season training some time in January after the holiday period, with the possibility of some social meets before then.
“We are still sorting out everything for the season, so it’s still the planning phase I would call it,” Proctor said.
“We just had a major event for the club at the golf club a few weeks ago.
“It was called Sounds like Summer and was a really good night, there was more than 300 people there.”
Proctor said following the continued success on the field he hoped to see the seniors give back to the club and community off the field.
Again there is nothing concrete at this early stage, but he hopes to assist with everyday tasks at the club.
“It’s all about spreading the load that keeps the club running really.”
He is also keeping the coming season in his sights and will be looking for a third-straight flag.
“We’ll definitely be going out there to win it all.”