Narrandera solicitor Patrick Dawson is the new face at the helm of the Narrandera Eagles Football and Netball Club.

Last month the club had put out a call for the presidency to be filled when Mark Savage stepped down after four years in the role.

Dawson confirmed the vacant positions of senior netball coordinator, publicity officer and sports trainers for football and netball had all been filled.

“I was approached by a couple of members of the committee to fill the position and I thought it was a good way to give back to the community,” he said.

Dawson played junior and senior football in the back line with the Eagles, including several premierships sides, before moving out of the area to study law.

“I do have that strong affiliation with the club from my younger years and it’s good to tie the loop I guess,” he said.

“The club is looking good for 2021 with a great supporter base – we have to bounce back from a non-existent 2020 season but we have a strong committee and membership.

“Our seniors coach Jordan Hedington has been over from Canberra a few times, and will be here this week.”

Dawson said there was a great level of excitement around the new facilities to be constructed at the Narrandera sportsground.

“This is new infrastructure for the whole community, not just the Eagles, and will add to its status as a premier ground around the Riverina,” he said.

“It would be good to see some AFL games out here.”

Dawson said it was an exciting time for the Eagles with junior and senior women’s football growing rapidly.

The Eagles women are due to play Collingullie GP at 7.30pm on Friday at Narrandera in the season opener.

Dawson said the committee was pleased to see the Eagles U11s win the sports team of the year and the junior talent coming through was exciting.

“It will be great to see those numbers push through to senior football in the coming years providing a solid future for the club.”