MCDFNL - Daniel Parkin has been appointed as the new coach of the Navarre Football Club.
Navarre best and fairest and Maryborough-Castlemaine Football Netball League Barry Powell medallist, Parkin has taken on the role after ruckman Ben Martin announced he was standing down from the position.
Martin made the decision because of a knee injury that is threatening to derail his preparations for next season.
Martin met with the Navarre board last Monday and notified them of his intentions.
"I don't want to be a non-playing coach," Martin said.
"That's when I retire. It is better for them (the club) to have a playing coach."
The announcement was made at Navarre's best and fairest vote count on Saturday night which Parkin won after a stellar season.
President, Wayne Driscoll said the board was understanding of Martin's decision to stand down.
"It is one of those things he made call on. The last four years, he has done a really good job," he said.
Martin received a rousing reception on Saturday night.
"It was a celebration of what's he been able to achieve," Mr Driscoll said.
"He is young and has a long way to go in his career, he may coach again."
Martin led the Grasshoppers to three out of the past four finals series with a grand final appearance this year, in which he injured his knee.
It has been diagnosed as an anterior cruciate ligament injury, however the time Martin faces on the sidelines is unknown.
The Navarre board praised Martin for putting the club first, giving them time to find a new coach before a decision is made on his knee on November 9.
Meanwhile, new coach Parkin is looking forward to the challenge.
"I'll give it a crack," he said.
"Hopefully it's the right decision."
Andrew Murphy will be helping Parkin, playing a mentoring role from the bench.
"He sees positives in everything, hopefully I'll learn off him," Parkin said.
"We'll sit down over the next month and sort out our playing structure (for next year)."
Parkin will take the majority of pre-season training, with Murphy to have a bigger input throughout season 2012.
Mr Driscoll has lauded the appointment of Parkin as senior coach.
"(It is) fantastic. He has the respect of the playing group. (In a time where) local clubs are looking for players, we're looking to stem the flow," he said.
However, Parkin faces a delayed pre-season after being told on Friday he needs an ankle operation for ligament damage.
He will undergo surgery on October 25, spending a month in a cast and is looking to start running around Christmas time.
The president is confident his new coach will be right for the season opener.
"(Parkin is) a professional - he'll be right for round one," Driscoll said.
The board believes retaining young players won't be an issue and has assured Parkin it will be on the front foot when looking at local talent.
Navarre is now on the lookout for an assistant coach.