Luke is the Mahon for the job

Great news for the Fitzroy FC community with the club announcing the reappointment of premiership coach, Luke Mahoney, for the 2021 season.

Mahoney, who led the Roys to the Premier C flag in 2018, has quickly established himself as a favourite son at Brunswick Street Oval, with the decision of his reappointment backed by a unanimous Board vote.

“Season 2020 was not a year anyone could have anticipated and while we were keen to see the continued development of the side under his stewardship on the field, it has been his leadership during this most difficult of times that has beyond impressed the Board, the players and the wider Fitzroy community,” the club wrote in today’s announcement.

Mahoney himself said he was “keen to keep working with the group that had committed themselves through the preseason and throughout the interrupted period due to Covid-19”.

“The continual development of the younger players, the influx of new faces and the injury free veterans position the club well as we hopefully head back into a football season,” he said.

Mahoney arrived at BSO following a 2017 season where the team was relegated from Premier B with just 0.30% separating them from Parkdale Vultures in eighth spot. After claiming the Premier C flag and promotion in his first year in charge, the Roys solidified their spot in Premier B with an incredible Round 18 victory against top four-bound Beaumaris.

Mahoney’s positive impact on the playing group is no secret, with men’s captain Julian Turner telling the ‘Clubs in Focus’ Podcast his role as captain was made easier with Mahon’s support.

“He’s hard when he needs to be but he’s very supportive when he needs to be as well,” Turner said.

“From the conversations we had about me taking over as captain I felt really confident and well-supported.

“He’s fantastic. He’s been great through this whole process (Covid-19) as well. Very supportive, always wanting to find things for the players to keep feeling connected and engaged.”

Prior to his coaching career, Mahoney played 290 games with St Kevin’s OB, Brunswick NOBS and Williamstown (VFL) while also representing the Big V multiple times. He captained SKOB’s 2004 B Section premiership and claimed four club B&F Awards.

Alongside Mahoney’s reappointment, Fitzroy announced the contract extensions of the current senior men’s squad coaches:

Men’s Reserves Coach: Bernie Carter

Assistant Senior Men’s Coach: Michael Manley

Senior Men’s Line Coach: Karl Jackson

Senior Men’s Line Coach: Andrew Pettigrove