Panthers is delighted to announce the appointment of Ben Harden as Jersey Flegg Head Coach for the upcoming season.
With the National Youth Competition making way for the state-based Jersey Flegg under-20s competition in 2018, Harden will perform the role in conjunction with his ongoing duties as Academy Head Coach.
A local junior whose burgeoning playing career with Panthers was cut short by injury, Harden has progressed through the club's coaching ranks since commencing as SG Ball Assistant Coach in 2013.
The 31-year-old was Head Coach of the Panthers SG Ball side which claimed the premiership and national title in 2016.
"I'm extremely excited to reunite with so many players that I have worked with coming through the younger grades," Harden said.
"At a development club like Panthers, we have the privilege of working with talented juniors who can look to the first grade squad and know that level of footy is well within reach.
"It's a constant source of inspiration in everything we do."
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Harden says it is important his squad adopts a 'team first' mentality.
"We need to get that selfless attitude right and set about building not just good footy players, but quality young men," he said.
The Panthers Jersey Flegg squad commences pre-season training on Monday afternoon.