Steve Johnson steered the Pigeons through to its first premiership in 10 years in 2023 and will hope he can go back to back this season before he steps down as coach.
The Yarrawonga Football Netball Club will start the process of finding a new coach for 2025 after the club announced that prolific senior coach Steve Johnson will call time on his two year coaching stint at the Pigeons at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
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The Pigeons attracted Johnson at the end of 2022 following a close loss in the grand final to the Wangaratta Magpies.
Johnson moved back to the area to be closer to family after a stint as an assistant coach at GWS and the Sydney Swans alongside former Corowa Rutherglen and North Melbourne great John Longmire.
Johnson then steered the Pigeons through to its first premiership in 10 years in 2023.
Steve Johnson, holds the cup high after coaching the Pigeons to a premiership flag in 2023.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Again in 2024 he has led the senior team to a strong position sitting two games clear on top of the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League ladder after round 13.
On Saturday the Pigeons convincingly defeated the Wangaratta Magpies at Norm Minns Oval by 31 points in what was described as a very physical contest that has put the rest of the Ovens and Murray Football League on notice.
A tremendous AFL and three-time Geelong premiership player, Johnson served under coaches Bomber Thompson and Chris Scott.
In a statement by the Yarrawonga Football Netball Club the club praised Johnson’s dedication to coaching the Pigeons
“It will be hard to find someone else working harder to secure the silverware again,” the club said.
“The Pigeons wish Steve and his family all the best for their potential move south and are grateful for the time he has been part of the club. Which isn’t finished just yet.”
Yarrawonga Football Netball Club President Ross Mulquiney said Johnson’s results as a coach have been everything the Pigeons would hope for after being so close in 2022.
“To mount another challenge in 2023 and win was no easy feat,” Mulquiney said.
“Further, to again have the list in contention in 2024 is a testament to the way in which he has his players playing.
“Whilst the club is undoubtedly going to struggle to find a replacement coach with the football nous of Steve, we are in a fortunate position to be able to commence that search early and find a suitable replacement who we hope will continue to lead the club in the right direction.”
