Lara has become the latest GFNL club to officially commence the search for a new coach.
The Cats confirmed co-coaches Shayne Stone and Devon Smith will step down at the end of the season.
Stone has been in the position since 2019, sharing the role with Tony Armstrong.
“Rock (Stone) has been a wonderful servant of the club over 30 years as a player and coach, and I know that he gave everything he had to develop our squad into a competitive unit in one of the toughest competitions in the country,” Lara president Chris Spence said.
“His commitment to our club has been exemplary, putting in countless hours across each week to work with the senior squad on their collective and individual games and to prepare for upcoming matches.
“We owe him a great debt for his efforts, not just over the last six seasons but over the decades since he joined the club as a young player in the early 1990s.
“He has well earned a rest from regular football commitments, and we all hope he enjoys the opportunity to watch sons Jordan and Aaron play over the coming years.”
Former Essendon and GWS Giants star Smith returned to his home club ahead of the 2023 season to combine with Stone.
A ruptured Achilles wiped out last year as a player, but he has returned to play four matches so far this year.
“There was palpable excitement to have Dev return to his junior home after a very successful AFL career that included a Crichton Medal for winning the best-and-fairest player at Essendon,” Spence said.
“Despite being restricted in his playing ambitions due to injury, his impact from coaching the group around their craft and competitiveness is well recognised by the club.
“His determination and resolve to succeed has been a prominent feature of his tenure at LFC.
“Dev is now ready to devote more time to his blossoming career as a golf professional, and we wish him well in that pursuit.”
Lara will join Colac in having a new leader in 2025, with Tigers coach Rowan McSparron announcing last month that this season would be his last at Central Reserve.
X: @krockfootball
