North Shore has appointed the experienced Mark Hounslow as its new senior coach.
Hounslow, who has previously held head coach roles locally with GDFNL clubs Geelong West and North Geelong and has been an assistant at GFNL outfits Newtown & Chilwell and Grovedale, replaces Darren Winter.
He spent this year an assistant to former Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson at Eastern League powerhouse Balwyn.
“I’m incredibly excited to join such a storied club,” Hounslow said in a statement provided to K rock Football.
“North Shore has an amazing history, emerging players, and an appetite to improve.
“I’m ready to bring my energy and vision to take this club to the next level.”
Hounslow’s coaching panel will also feature two familiar faces.
Former Queenscliff and Geelong West GFNL coach Andy Viola and 2001 Mathieson medalist and two-time North Shore premiership player Chris Huxtable have joined the Seagulls as assistants.
“This is a new era for North Shore,” president Dale Purcell said.
“We believe Mark is the perfect fit to lead us into the future. His passion for developing young talent, the care for his players and his tactical expertise will be key to our success.”
“As we gear up for the upcoming season, the entire club community is eager to see what Mark will bring to the club.
“We welcome him and his family to the North Shore family and look forward to an exciting new chapter for the club.”
North Shore also paid tribute to Winter, who spent four years travelling from Tasmania to coach his junior club.
He shared the role for two seasons with Nick Dixon before going it alone across 2023-24.
“The club is immensely grateful for the contribution and sacrifice Darren has made,” Purcell said.
“His ability to inspire and motivate our players and club, while always emphasising the values of hard work, sportsmanship, and resilience, has set a lasting example which we hope to build on over the coming years.”
Hounslow is the sixth new GFNL appointment for 2025, joining Seb Ross (Colac), Brett Henderson (Lara), Steve Johnson (Newtown & Chilwell), Rick Munn (St Albans), and Ben Boseley (St Mary’s).
Two-time reigning premier Leopold is the only club yet to confirm its position for next year.
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