ADAM Skrobalak will step into the hottest seat in the VFL after being named as the new coach of Port Melbourne on Thursday afternoon.
Skrobalak returns to the Borough after being an assistant coach under Gary Ayres in 2012.
It is his second VFL coaching job after leading Frankston's return to the competition in 2018 during a seven-year stint as an assistant coach at St Kilda, serving as midfield and then forwards coach under Brett Ratten.
While the Dolphins only won two games in that 2018 season, Danny Ryan, the assistant coach who took over in 2019, praised Skrobalak for the work he put in to help re-establish the club after spending the 2017 season in exile.
Skrobalak also spent time as an assistant coach at the Western Jets and coached the Vic Metro under-17s in 2014 before joining the Saints.
He has been tasked with lifting Port Melbourne back up the ladder after it was crippled by injuries this season, sliding to second last with just one victory from nine matches.
"I'm truly honoured to be given the opportunity to coach such a proud and strong football club," Skrobalak told portmelbournefc.com.au
"Having been an assistant coach here in 2012 under Gary Ayres I understand the culture of the club and its loyal supporters.
"We have an opportunity to roll our sleeves up and work as one to get the club back into finals football.
"I'm looking forward to meeting all the players and staff and setting a vision to take the club forward.
"The club provided a great interview process, which showed just how serious this great football club is about rebounding quickly and creating a great environment for players to develop and achieve success."
Borough CEO Paul Malcolm was delighted to secure a coach of Skrobalak's experience and standing to replace the legendary Ayres.
"When we kicked off the process to select our new coach, we had strong interest without advertising and the committee followed a structured process to ensure we were able to select not only the best candidate for the role but the person we felt would be best suited to the Port Melbourne Football Club and who could hit the ground running," he said.
"From the outset Adam showed a determination to take on the role and impressed at each stage of the recruitment process (and) I am more than comfortable Adam will provide a program and game plan that will help ensure that we as a club are successful and competitive into the future."
Port Melbourne’s 2017 premiership captain Toby Pinwill was also on the sub committee that plumped for Skrobalak over a quality field of candidates.
"Ádam impressed at every stage of the process with his professionalism and attention to detail," he said.
"He displayed an outstanding knowledge of the VFL and outlined a clear path to success.
"Adam comes highly regarded from his time at St Kilda with exemplary references (and) it’s great to be able to welcome back a former member of the Borough family to the club."
Skrobalak will start his new role at the Borough on October 4.
His appointment follows the re-signing of inaugural VFLW coach Lachie Harris earlier this month after Port Melbourne finished fifth in an outstanding debut season which yielded 10 wins from 15 matches and an elimination final appearance.
Twitter: @BRhodesVFL