Great Dane steps down as PEGS premiership coach

2017 VAFA Coach of the Year, Dane Pound, will be stepping down as PEGS senior coach after five years at the helm.

In an announcement on the club’s Facebook page, PEGS wrote that, in conjunction with the club, Pound decided it was the right time to step down from his role and focus on life outside of football.

“As we start to exit the 2020 COVID lockdown season, we are starting to plan for the new ‘COVID normal’, particularly with regard to the 2021 football season,” the club wrote.

“This includes difficult decisions, like Dane has made.”

Pound took over as senior coach in 2016 and helped the Bombers to a preliminary final, but it was the performance on the last day of the Division 1 season the following year that will define Pound’s coaching career with PEGS.

Not only did he guide the club to their first senior flag in 21 years, the team completed one of the greatest grand final wins in history when they came from 57 points down at the 18-minute mark of the second quarter and ran out 13-point winners against St Mary’s Salesian.

Pound was rewarded with the Divisions Coach of the Year Award where he spoke of his love for the club and the VAFA competition.

PEGS will now commence the task of replacing Pound for the 2021 season.

“We have the right people in charge at PEGS to find a suitable replacement to continue the hard work and strong culture set up by Dane.”

“With a promising junior program, a strong connection to one of the best AGSV football schools in Victoria and access to a world class football facility, the club is in excellent shape for the future.”

The VAFA congratulates Dane on his outstanding service to PEGS and to the VAFA competition and wish him every success moving forward.