New Lalor coach Dean Grainger is returning to where his football journey began.
Grainger, who was appointed coach of the Northern Football League division 2 team last week, played his junior football at the club along with his early senior football.
He was part of the club’s division 1 premiership in 1993.
“I pretty much grew up at the club and spent my childhood the club,” he said.
“My dad was president. I played there until I was 16 or 17 before I went elsewhere.
“I’m looking forward to helping the club out.”
Grainger takes over the role from Jarrod King who coached the club for one season.
He has a hard task ahead of him with the Bloods struggling the last two seasons.
After surviving relegation after 2016, due to Reservoir not fielding a team, the Bloods finished seventh this year with just three wins.
Grainger said things had been put in place on and off the field to help the club rebuild.
“Only three years ago they were three points off promotion [to division 1],” he said.
“There are a lot of things in place and lot of positive vibes.
“It has been a struggle the last few years with players leaving and injuries.
“We’re confident we can get back to where we should be.
“We’ve got the ball rolling and we want to consolidate being in division 2 and start looking ahead.”
Grainger said early indications were that a lot of this year’s playing group had re-signed while they the club had started talking to potential recruits.
For Grainger it’s a return to the coaching ranks after being sacked as coach of South Morang early in the season, despite a 3-1 record.
He took the Lions to a preliminary final last year.
Grainger said the break from coaching has left him refreshed.
“Things happen and you put them behind you and move on,” he said.
“I have no doubt I’m more than capable of coaching.
“Having the club support goes a long way.”
