There will also be a fresh face on the touchline for the Lions reserves outfit, with Danny Hatton joining from Mooroopna.
Long-term Undera clubman and former seniors coach Mick Kyle said the club had to move quickly to secure signatures before moving into pre-season, after last season’s coach, Darron Batties, decided to hand the magnet board over.
“It was a bit of work that had to be done pretty quickly – it is that time of the year where things are put into place, there’s signings and structures that need to be in place to get things sorted.”
Kyle said they were ecstatic to have Dickason sign on, given his history in the game and the support network that will accompany him to Undera.
“He had a season at Longwood (last year) and they were pretty keen to sign him on as coach for 2022 and beyond,” Kyle said.
“He was keen to try his hand at coaching; he’s never coached senior footy but he’s certainly got some good history and some good support that he’s bringing with him as well.
“One of those is his father who’s got a great footy brain ... he’s coached the Dandenong Stingrays at TAC Cup level, and that’s one of the reasons why he (Mitch) wanted to go down the coaching path because his old man had done it and he had aspirations to do it as well.”
With Dickason locked in, the Lions also secured the services of Danny Hatton, who will take charge of their reserves outfit.
“Danny’s come across from Mooroopna and he’s had a few years there sitting up forward,” Kyle said.
“Danny’s a lovely fella, he’s very enthusiastic and he’s keen to get going, we wish him well.”
Kyle says a look to the future was a big consideration when appointing their coaches for 2022, with youth now a big focus around the club, especially in the seniors, where they hope Dickason will become a mainstay for the years to come.
“Mitch is only 29 years old and he’s still kicking the legs over; if suited he’ll certainly coach on field as a forward, so we’re pretty happy and rapt to have a younger head in there and obviously an on-field player as well,” he said.
“At any footy club with new faces into the club, there’s always a bit of time to make things work and gel; there’ll be faces that move on and new faces that come in.
“I think that’s good for the footy club and good for the footy.”
