Several clubs have already begun the off-season wheeling and dealing, and among those quick to appoint a new coach for 2026 is Stanhope.
The Lions missed out on finals by one spot in the Kyabram District League, and in a bid to take them one step further, the keys have been thrown in a new leader’s lap.
Matthew Butler will take the reins from Tom Hepburn and Alec Young for next season, bringing serious on-field firepower to the role.
The 190cm, 29-year-old key position player arrives from Lockington-Bamawm in the Heathcote District Football League, where he kicked 38 goals in nine games this year while also serving as assistant coach of the Cats.
Butler originally hails from Edenhope-Apsley in the Horsham District League where he once recorded a 20-goal haul, and lands on Stanhope’s doorstep with younger brothers Taylor and Jack in tow while father Les joins the club in an off-field support role.
Club president Graeme Nurse was elated to announce Butler as Stanhope’s new senior coach.
“Matthew offers us the chance to bring in a fresh face and have a spearhead for our hard-running midfielders to aim for,” Nurse said.
“We’ve been just off the pace the last couple of years, but we know the talent is there.
“It was only three seasons ago we finished fourth and were beaten by the eventual premier (Lancaster) with the last kick of the day.”
Butler’s nous inside forward 50 is a huge get in Stanhope’s eyes.
Nurse knows the importance a big target in and around the square brings in the KDL, and he hopes that with silver-platter service, Butler can produce the goods in 2026.
“He’s played many roles and understands the game from multiple angles,” Nurse said.
“The league demands a key forward capable of turning games. Just look at James Lloyd from Murchison as an example.
“We have a great tradition of goalkickers at our club – Exell, Forys, and James to name a few – and Matthew fits that mould.”
Meanwhile, Tongala has also pulled the trigger on the coaching front, seeing a club favourite return to the hot seat once more.
Jordan Souter takes over from Stephen Hammond with ambitions to lead the Blues back to Murray Football League success after consecutive years finishing without finals.
Souter first assumed the coaching reins in 2018, leading Tongala to a grand final the following year, as well as an unbeaten season in the abridged 2021 campaign.
The club announced Hammond will continue to be involved with the Blues’ senior program next season.
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