Matt Barnes has been named the club’s first grade men's head coach for the 2019 season, taking over the reigns from Glenn Keys.

Barnes, 40, who played in the division three premiership side, as well as being the Keys’ assistant coach, is excited to be handed the keys to the club’s first grade team.

“Last year’s amazing journey gave me a taste of coaching, so when the opportunity to coach in 2019 came up, I didn’t hesitate to apply,” Barnes said.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to coach a very promising group.

“This year brings new challenges, such as a return to division one, but I’ve always enjoyed challenges and if the feedback so far is anything to go by, the boys are very keen to get on the track and start training.”

Barnes started his involvement in the sport in the Geelong Football League, before moving to Batemans Bay – where he played in three grand finals.

Following this, he enjoyed stints with Albury in the Ovens and Murray League and Jindera in the Hume League – where he also coached the club’s under 17s side to a grand final.

Barnes returned to the South Coast in 2014, where he coached Kiama’s reserve grade side and an Albion Park junior team in 2015, before finally joining to Tigers in 2017.

“As a coach, I will bring a fresh approach, experience and enthusiasm,” he said.

“I’ve been around senior footy clubs for more than 20 years now – I’m aware of what’s needed to be successful.

“We have a few areas we need to improve upon in order to take the next step of being competitive in division one, so pre-season will focus on improving in those areas and further developing our strengths.”

Barnes, who’s team will resume training next week at Artie Smith Oval, is looking to play an exciting brand on footy, built around a talented core of players.

“Our style of play will evolve and be built around the players we have in the squad,” he said.

“At present, our list is looking stronger than last year but we are always looking to add further depth.

“If we continue to build our list and with natural improvement of the younger players, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect to be very competitive in division one.”

The club’s annual general meeting also saw Geoff Gibbs named as coach of the club’s women’s team, while Brent Tyrrell will once again be in charge of the men’s reserve grade side.

Away from the field, Graham Duke returns as club president, with Tony McCann (vice-president), David Morrison (junior vice-president) Neville Hickmott (treasurer) and Simone Gibbs (secretary).

These five will be supported by committee members Gary Farrow, Cam Boxsell, Glenn Keys, Jack Boxsell, Les Gerney, Jordan Matthews, Matt Polman, Tom Hines, Emily Reichler and Roslyn Phillips.