Former Lavington player John Lamont will coach Mooroopna next season.
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Lamont, who coached many Ovens and Murray players during a five-year stint with VFL club Werribee, was approached by a number of clubs before opting to join the Cats.
His friendship with club president Bill Dowling was a key factor in the decision.
Lamont previously coached Oakleigh Chargers (1998-2002) and Eastern Ranges (2003-06).
"When I finished at Werribee at the end of 2018, Bill Dowling tracked me down and bailed me up in a coffee shop in Benalla," Lamont said.
"He was keen to see how I could possibly support the coaching group at Mooroopna.
"With my time in Vanuatu and then New Zealand, it was July before I was able to meet with Dale Osborne and the other coaches.
"I spent a full week with them and really enjoyed it.
"So then an opportunity presented to coach and the club basically convinced me to be an applicant for the position.
"I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity and I'm really looking forward to sharing my experience with the players and building a strong football department and coaching group."
Lamont grew up at Benalla and still has strong ties in the region.