The Lion King: Luke Mahoney the 2022 AFL Victoria Coach of the Year

The VAFA wishes to congratulate Fitzroy FC’s Luke Mahoney who has been awarded the AFL Victoria 2022 Coach of the Year award as part of the AFL Victoria Community Awards at Marvel Stadium last night. 

Mahoney came to Brunswick St Oval at the beginning of 2018 straight from Brunswick FC,  guiding the Roys to the Premier C Premiership in his debut season as coach. Since then, the club has stabilised in Premier B, this year finishing in the top four at the end of the home and away season. 

Mahoney has had an illustrious career in the VAFA playing 290 games with North Old Boys, Williamstown in VFL and St Kevins Old Boys, his stint at St Kevin’s includes being captain and premiership captain for SKOB in 2004 as well as several VAFA rep games. He won four best and fairest awards with the club.

At SKOB, Mahoney had a number of coaching roles including Coaching Director in 2015 (an undefeated year when SKOB was promoted to Premier), Senior Assistant Coach (under Daniel Harford) in 2012-13, VAFA Premier B-D4 rep Assistant Coach 2014, Senior Coach with Brunswick NOBSPC in 2016 and 2017, winning VAFA Coach of the Year in Division 1 in his first year with the club. 

‘Mahns’ is a much loved figure at BSO with the club stating he “exemplifies the highest standards of coaching and mentorship of players participating in community football.” 

“Luke leads by example. His calm, considered approach with players, supporters and game officials has earned universal respect. Importantly, Luke has established close working relationships with upcoming and established players, to support and mentor them to be not only the best footballers they can be, but the best people.” 

With over 70 clubs in the VAFA it is a credit to Fitzroy and to the competition overall to have one of its own recognised as the best coach in community football in Victoria.

“On behalf of everyone involved in the VAFA, we join together in celebrating and congratulating Luke Mahoney in being awarded the AFLVictoria Community Senior Coach of the year.” VAFA CEO Jason Reddick told VAFA Media. 

“This prestigious award is a wonderful recognition of Luke’s coaching efforts with Fitzroy FC, both in the 2022 season and over his Amateur coaching career to date.” 

“The award is also a testimony to the quality of senior coaches that we have in the Amateur ranks, all of whom are skilled and passionate in their development of players and people in our competition.” he continued. 

Mahoney was humbled, and gracious in accepting his award last night. Paying tribute to those who have stood by him, and supported him through his time in the VAFA, and in particular at Brunswick St Oval. 

After the heartbreaking Elimination Final loss to Old Haileybury in the first weekend of September, redemption is on the cards for the Roys in 2023 who will go into the Premier B campaign as one of the teams to watch closely.