Finishing second on the ladder in 2019 and boasting one of the Central Highlands Football League's two 100 goal kickers, the Cats were bounced in the preliminary final against Hepburn.

Not content with its results, Newlyn has brought in a fresh face to help the club take the next step towards grand final glory.

Fresh off back-to-back premierships with East Point in the Ballarat Football League, Chris Banwell will take the reigns in Newlyn for the 2020 season.

Speaking to The Courier, Banwell made it clear that improving on last year is his and the playing group's primary focus coming into next season.

"Breaking even or repeating the result from last year isn't what the club's after and it's certainly not what I'm after," he said.

"I know there are a lot of guys there that are there for the right reason... they weren't happy with simply making the prelim and I think we all agree that there's the potential to go further."

Having held numerous coaching roles within East Point over the past handful of years, Banwell said he was excited at the prospects for a fresh start with a club boasting an already formidable list.

"When I had the call from Simon Dwyer (Newlyn club president) letting me know that the coaching position would be available I definitely jumped at the chance," he said.

"They had a really successful year and were probably unlucky not to make the grand final and even win it so when I was presented with the opportunity I saw it as a stepping stone that I've been ready for for a little while.

"They've got a fantastic list and a lot of players of high character."

Dwyer was equally excited at the opportunity to bring Banwell into the club, saying he had been trying to appoint the coach for a number of years.

"We've tried to get Chris out here previously," he said.

"I've known Chris for a number of years, he's obviously got a great reputation in the Ballarat Football League and within East Point so it's just worked out well heading into 2020."

Dwyer said he believes Banwell's experience coaching and playing out of the CHFL will help breathe new life into the playing group in its pursuit of a premiership.

"I think when someone comes from any successful club, they'll be able to bring some different ideas.

"Coming from the BFL, he's going to have some different ideas and that's going to freshen up our group and hopefully that will help lead to improvement next year."

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