The Penola Eagles will fly into the 2023 Bendigo Bank Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League A Grade season with a familiar face leading the way.

After stepping into the senior coaching position for the first time this year, long-time player Brad Maney has been “overwhelmingly” reappointed by the historic club with 157 years of history to keep leading the top team into battle.

Maney said he remains as proud as ever in the position and is looking forward to continuing the journey which has only just begun.

“It has been a huge honour all year and one that is never lost on me,” he said.

“I feel we have made great strides as a whole club and it would be remiss of me to walk away after one year.

“My reappointment all comes back to the playing group and the buy in they have given me and the football club as a whole.

“I think the impact of the hard work we have done this year will be evident in 2023.”

The 2022 season is the first under Maney’s helm and it has been a character building one so far.

After the Eagles experienced mass changes to their playing group and leadership structure, a raw team has ensured a challenging campaign results-wise with just the one win from 14 games.

But the solitary victory back in round 2 was a glorious one over finals contender Naracoorte where some special work from the likes of Bradley Merrett, Drew Clayfield and Brock Eagan resulted in a 80-61 triumph.

Although that spark has not been quite as bright since, Maney said the team had soaked up many lessons which would hold them in good stead going forward.

“We have made a lot of development over the year and it is come across the board,” he said.

“We have had more than 10 débutantes which is really exciting and a large number of our playing group have had career-best years.

“That is not just 18-year-olds, we have also got 30-year-olds who have performing which is great.

“The biggest win of the year has been the club culture and getting it back to a place that is enjoying our football and supporting each other, focusing on everyone’s well-being.

“My goal is this season was to build a one-club culture of care and mate ship and we have come a long way in that which is fantastic to see.”

Maney took a small step into the unknown this year coaching an A Grade side for the first time and said it has been an enjoyable challenge which is why he is keen to continue.

“I have loved every second of it and have developed a lot over the year,” he said.

“The way I have had to adjust my coaching style that is not necessarily winning games on field, but still keeping the overall vibe a positive one.

“I have taken advice from as many people as I can to keep the group going in a positive way.”

With the 2023 coach locked in, Penola can now turn its attention to finishing the current season in style.

First up is a trip to Kybybolite which presents as a big opportunity to double the wins tally with the Tigers only sitting one spot above on the ladder, while the final home game of the season is against seventh-placed Padthaway.

Maney said the team would give it everything.

“We have created a high-performing culture … We are still planning to play a game of football we can win over the final two weeks,” he said.