Mitta United appoint Jaxon Heagney-Steart as coach

He replaces Aaron Lezius who was non-playing coach this year but will step down without overseeing a match.

Heagney-Steart said he was excited by the opportunity to lead one of the traditional powerhouses of the competition.

"It's an enticing prospect to be able to coach such a proud club and one of the most successful clubs in the competition," Heagney-Steart said.

"Mitta is a traditional powerhouse and it's my aim to get the club back playing and winning finals."

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Heagney-Steart spent the past four seasons with Wodonga before joining Benalla this year.

The 27-year-old previously spent three years with Collingwood in the VFL and had a one year stint at South Adelaide in 2015.

The versatile big man played predominantly in defence at Wodonga but also has the ability to play as a key forward.

He highlighted his versatility with five goals in successive matches against finalists Albury and Wodonga Raiders last year.

Heagney-Steart said he had always had coaching ambitions and jumped at the opportunity once it presented itself.

"Probably at the end of last year I gave a lot more thought to getting into coaching," he said.

"Being a rookie coach, I suppose you still have doubts if you are ready.

"But Ben Hollands got me involved in the Bushrangers under-16s who are coached by Justin McMahon.

"So I spent a bit of time under him, just to sharpen my tools so to speak."

Mitta United missed finals last year for the first time since 2015.

Heagney-Steart said he would look to add some further depth to the list.

"I think there is the nucleus of a strong senior core that has had success in the past," he said.

"There is some great young talent coming through the ranks.

"We will also endeavour to lure as many locals as we can back to the club."

The Mountain Men have already suffered an early blow with ruckman Ben Dower returning to his former club Jindera.

Heagney-Steart said finding a suitable replacement for Dower was high on the recruiting radar.

"All clubs are looking to recruit at this time of year and we are no exception," he said.

"My first priority is making sure we retain the talent that we have got on the list.

"The challenge after that is trying to add a few quality recruits to the list.

"Unfortunately we have already lost big Benny Dower to Jindera.

"So finding a ruckman will be our main recruiting goal."

Heagney-Steart said he didn't have a preference on what role he played next season.

"I'm happy to play wherever the team needs me most," he said.

"Whether that will be key back or key forward will depend on the recruiting.

"I'm probably more of a natural defender but I also enjoy the challenge of going forward."

Rutherglen remains the only club still on the hunt for a coach.

Kade Brown and Dan Cleary (Thurgoona), Shaun Baxter (Beechworth) and Zach Pleming (Wodonga Saints) join Heagney-Steart as newly appointed coaches.