From the junior ranks to becoming a three-time AFL South Coast premiership player, Ben Rawson has long held the desire to coach Kiama.
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Few know the dimensions of Bonaira Oval better or will be prouder when the 2018 flag is unfurled on Saturday than the key defender.
He takes over from Rod Richards, who remains on the coaching staff and will handle the whiteboard magnets while Rawson is focused on stopping attacking raids inside 50.
"That's the big challenge for me," he said.
"Taking on the coaching role now means I'll have to be more aware of what everyone else is doing, as well as my own role out there on the field. But it was a bit of a no-brainer for me to want to take this on, I've been around the club for a long time from juniors to achieving the ultimate goal with a premiership last year.
"And it's been pretty seamless, with Rod and the coaches and leadership group around, we'll still be working on the same style and areas we can improve it."
Rawson is an imposing figure in the backline, but he'll have to defend the title without fullback Alex Perger, who retired after finally breaking through for a premiership at the fifth attempt last year.
Perger held Lions spearhead James Adamson goalless in the decider at North Dalton Park, as the Power came from 22 points to down to win 8.6 (54) to 5.11 (41).
Crucially, best-on-ground Jack Mahony remains a key midfield weapon, as Josh Walton and Ben Williams will be co-captains.
While there has been significant personnel change from the group which surged past the Wollongong Lions in last year's grand final, Rawson is adamant they can remain the dominant force.
Kiama's reserve grade made the grand final, only falling to Bomaderry who were relegated under the previous top-six format, having previously won the division two title in 2017.
"There's no shortage of depth at the club and this is their time for some of the younger guys," he said.
"The club is in a great position and I've got no doubt we'll be very competitive again."
It shapes as a fascinating contest this year, with the Lions expected to challenge again, the Bulldogs and Northern Districts likely to be big improvers, while the developing Figtree squad will be eyeing a grand final after making the top four last year.
Shellharbour are an unknown quality, Bomaderry are poised to be competitive stepping back into first grade.
AFL SOUTH COAST
Round one, Saturday
Men
KIAMA v FIGTREE at Bonaira Oval, BOMADERRY v NORTHERN DISTRICTS at Artie Smith Oval (2.15pm); WOLLONGONG BULLDOGS v WOLLONGONG LIONS at Keira Oval (2.30pm)
Women
KIAMA v WOLLONGONG SAINTS at Bonaira Oval (10.30am), BOMADERRY v NORTHERN DISTRICTS at Artie Smith Oval (12.30pm), WOLLONGONG BULLDOGS v WOLLONGONG LIONS at Keira Oval (12.45pm)
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