Mahony, who will turn 28 in November, has a wealth of playing experience and has been an instrumental part of the past four Jervois premierships.

He played his junior football at the Morphett Vale Football Club and then played with South Adelaide Football Club from the ages of 15 to 21.

Mahony played his first league game at 18 and went on to play about 50 reserves and 47 league games.

He went on to play at Meningie in 2002 and played in their runner-up season under coach Tim Richards.

After a pre-season for Sturt in 2003, Mahony decided to play at Myponga.

Unfortunately, at the age of 23, Mahony suffered a heart attack on the field. It was a setback for his football career, but he was determined to play on as experts could find no reason for the attack.

Former coach Tim Richards invited Mahony to be his assistant coach at Jervois in 2004 and after a recovery period he took to the field.

Mahony has been an integral part of the Jervois Football Club, not only as assistant coach but as vice-captain for the past two seasons.

He has been accepted at the club and respected by all, especially his team-mates.

Mahony was chosen in the River Murray Football League Team of the Year this year, as captain of the side, which proves that he has the respect of opposition coaches and has great leadership qualities.

The club has rounded off its new coaching appointments, with Chris Hameister being appointed as the reserves coach, with Graham Herbert as his assistant. Both Hameister and Herbert have played all their careers at Jervois and are terrific club men.

They have both held the mantle as RMFL leading goal kickers and are enthusiastic about the challenge and can’t wait for the season to start.

The Jervois Football Club will be holding their annual Christmas tea, on Friday, December 7, which will be combined with a meet the coach night.

All players intending to play in 2008 are requested to attend.

It will also be the flag raising ceremony for the 2007 premiership season.