The Panthers officially announced that Curtis would be stepping down in early August.

However, president Mark Sanson conceded the club was no closer to announcing a replacement almost two months later.

He cited COVID as a major stumbling block for prospective coaches committing to the top job.

"I think COVID has had a huge effect on player movement and is a massive factor for prospective coaches," he said.

"Players are more reluctant to switch clubs especially with the added uncertainty of living on a border.

"It has had a significant impact on people committing to things.

"That's unquestionable and makes the task of finding a coach from outside the area that much harder."

Sanson replaced Peter Barwick as president after the Panthers' drought breaking flag two years ago.

He said the club was still looking 'far and wide' for the right coach.

"We are still on the lookout and we are talking to a few candidates," he said.

"But I don't want to mention any names at this stage.

"I can assure you that we are looking far and wide and for the person who we regard will be the best fit for our club.

"We still have an open mind in regards to a playing or non-playing coach.

"We have had a couple of nibbles.

"But we are deliberately being patient and remain determined to get the most suitable applicant for the role."

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Sanson said the club didn't have a specific date that it wanted to have its coach locked in by.

"You have got AFL clubs that are delisting players at the moment," he said.

"There are AFL assistant coaches who are in the process of finding out if they will remain at clubs.

"So in that regard it's not bad timing to be out there looking for the right candidate."

Curtis who won the Panthers' best and fairest in 2018-19 is yet to formally announce if he will remain at Lavington Sports Ground next season.

There is speculation that Curtis has spoken to at least three rival O&M clubs.

But Sanson remained hopeful that the star defender would remain in the black, teal blue and white.

"Simon is still yet to let us know of his plans for next year," Sanson said.

"Obviously we would love to retain him as a player.

"When Simon is fit and firing he is among the premier players in the competition.

"For us he is a one pointer but to replace Simon and try and get a player of a similar calibre you are looking at four or five points."

Lavington remain the only club yet to finalise its coach for next season.

Wodonga Raiders recently unveiled Marc Almond as the replacement for Jarrod Hogkin.

While Ben Reid was announced as Dean Stone's successor at Wangaratta in early August.

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