And Simon Curtis has extensive ties with the league.

The Wodonga junior also played seniors with the Bulldogs, his father Allan is a North Albury premiership player, while his parents now live in Myrtleford.

“We expect probably similar to what we expected of (incumbent coach) James (Saker) in terms of professionalism,” Panthers’ president Peter Barwick said.

“I think he’ll bring a new lease of life to the place, he’s totally energised.”

It will be the 28-year-old Ainslie star’s first full-time coaching stint.

“I think I’ll look to add more attacking flair to a well-established defensive team that Lavington has been under James,” he said.

Curtis won a thirds premiership with Wodonga as a 15-year-old and followed that with a reserves flag.

He played in the ACT’s Australian Country Championship-winning team at Shepparton in 2010, before starring in the NEAFL as a backline star with Belconnen and Ainslie.

Ainslie has spent the past two years in the AFL Canberra competition, where he’s been the backline coach in 2016 and midfield mentor this year.

Curtis moved to the midfield at Ainslie and at 188 centimetres and 90 kilograms, he’s set to be one of the more powerful on-ballers.

His kicking is also comparable with the elite level.

When Saker announced he was stepping down almost two months ago, he indicated he would be happy to play under the new coach.

“We’ve still got finals aspirations and we’d love to finish with a GF for James,” Barwick said.

“He’s done a sensational job with the football club and he’s brought a new level of professionalism to us since he’s been here.”

Lavington is third.