Ryan Lewis has been appointed coach of the A grade side, replacing his father, Steve and with the introduction of some classy players there is a sense of optimism at Tigerland.

Lewis has been playing in Canberra and returns to Yankalilla with valuable experience and most importantly for the Tigers, a couple of key recruits.

Goalkicking machine Glen Dundovic will be an asset up forward and to help Lewis in the middle of the ground the club has regained the services of one of the best mid-fielders seen in the Great Southern Football League in John Pratt.

The club is talking to a couple more players to improve the depth, which has always been a problem for the Tigers.

Ryan is looking forward to working with his father Steve who will be his bench coach for the season.

“Dad has a great footy brain and knows the opposition well and he will be backed up by Bob Williss on the bench as well.

“Training is going very well and we are working hard to get the game style we need to play,” Lewis said.

The club finished bottom in 2009, but has the respect of clubs in the league for the tenacious attitude of its players.

Its junior colts competed in the preliminary final last year, so there is some talented youth coming through the ranks.

With a new coach in 2010, the club also has a new president and Roger Sweetman is positive the club will improve its onfield performances with Ryan Lewis at the helm and keeping Steve around to help.

“Ryan has great contacts in the football community and it is a real asset to the club to get him back,” Roger said.

“The Yankalilla Football Club is aiming to be a strong competitive club across all grades in the coming years, successful both on the field and off the field and providing facilities and an environment for the community to actively participate in football.

“The committee and I have worked hard in the off season to both put the club in a sound financial position and to attract quality people to the club.