Eaton will join Matt Pendergast as Tim Sanson’s deputy as the Panthers continue to shore up their playing list and build towards another tilt at a flag.

Football director Peter Doherty said yesterday the club was delighted to have Eaton, Pendergast, captain Kade Stevens, Adam Butler and Matt Hooper locked away by mid-July.

“It’s a reflection of the calibre of people we have that they all wanted to sign on early to help us get things in order for next season,” Doherty said.

“We are really happy with the leadership group we have in place and while we always knew of Brad’s credentials, he’s been fantastic and will step up to an assistant coaching role.”

It is believed Pendergast was on the radar of at least one rival Ovens and Murray club for its senior coaching position next season.

Lavington will now turn its attention to finding another key forward to help bring along the 13 debutants the club has blooded this season.

Jarred Grimmond, Richard Dennis, Jon Smedley, Mitchell Browne, Hayden Edwards, Nick Turner, Luke McNeil, Lewis Gardiner, Lonnie Hampton, Tom Yensch, James Eastoe, Craig Mabon and Chris Fielder have got a taste of senior football after progressing through the under-18s.

While the Panthers are slipping out of finals contention, Sanson said the club would continue with its youth policy over the final four rounds.

“It’s a path we have taken and will be following through with,” he said.

“You are going to get inconsistency as that comes with the territory of blooding kids.

“But 13 is a big number in one season and a good launching pad for us.”