Lonergan departs for SANFL

The Launceston Football Club will be on the lookout for a new coach ahead of the 2019 Bupa Tasmanian State League season, with Sam Lonergan confirming his move to South Australia.

Lonergan, 31, will take on the role as head coach of SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens after a two-year stint at Windsor Park.

Lonergan will now ply his trade in the SANFL. IC: Solstice Digital

Lonergan came back to his home state following an 81-game AFL career at Essendon and Richmond and a stint as a player and midfield coach at SANFL club Glenelg.

Lonergan’s return in 2017 saw him steer the Blues to two successive TSL finals campaigns, with his side finishing the 2018 season in third spot before being knocked out in straight sets.

The former Launceston boss will take the reigns after Michael Godden’s nine-year stint at the helm of the Eagles, with Godden taking on an assistant coach role with Adelaide.

Speaking to the Mercury newspaper, Launceston president Sandra Boland insisted the club had no grievance with Lonergan making the move and that plans will immediately be put in place for his replacement.

“The personal interest Sam had for the club meant he gave his heart to us and has left the club in a successful position,” Boland said.

“We had a board meeting and threw ideas around about what type of person we want,” Boland said. “If they are from inside the club, an external person or even from another state that’s something we’ll look at during our selection process.”