Johno Leoncini has penned a new deal to remain in black and white for a fourth year.
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Leoncini has agreed to stay on as Clunes' senior coach for the 2021 Central Highlands Football League season.
It had taken some time for the non-playing leader and club to agree to terms, but they have eventually done so and are ready to climb off the foot of the ladder next year.
"We know we've got a lot of work to do, but he's been involved with the club for three years or so now and we think things are moving forward," Clunes president Brendan Sheehan said.
"We'd like to be winning a lot more games of footy obviously, but there's been a fair change since Johno has been in and we are looking forward to going again for next year.
"The club went through a stage there where there was four or five coaches in four or five years, which doesn't provide great stability for anyone.
"Because we have got a younger group of players, that stability plays a big role."
Leoncini was an assistant with Hepburn when it won the premiership in 2017 and after missing out on the senior job with the Burras, was snapped up by Clunes.
It has been a difficult time with the Magpies. During 2018, the senior side won only one game and also managed just the solitary triumph while taking the wooden spoon last year. This season never got off the ground due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leoncini, who previously helped co-ordinate the Central Highlands Football League junior representative program, was pleased to commit to another season with the Magpies.
"Recruiting never stops so you're always trying to recruit and do the best you can," he said.
"But the first initial process was retention and that was the key. Everyone has signaled they're all back which is great. And that was the number one priority for all of us. Now we move forward onto strengthening the list, get a bit better and try to climb that ladder."