The club announced on Tuesday that Souter had been re-appointed, and despite harbouring some initial hesitancy towards coaching into a sixth season, he said it was a no-brainer with the talent on offer at the Blues.
“I’m glad to be doing it again,” Souter said.
“I was umming and ahing about going around again, but we’ve got a list that you want to keep coaching.
“Obviously with business and a young family it can be pretty hard, but I’ve got good support around me.
“We have pretty good buy in at the moment — I’m excited.”
Since assuming the role in 2018, Souter has guided Tongala to 44 wins, 23 defeats, a 2019 grand final berth, and an unbeaten season in the abridged 2021 campaign.
During his tenure, Tongala has moved from the bottom half of the Murray Football League ladder to a premiership contender, and this season is no different as the club chases its first senior flag in 39 years.
On reflection, Souter admits it took some time to reshape the club’s fortunes after a 2017 season that saw them finish in 10th with just three wins.
“We were in a fair bit of hurt so it took a year and a bit to get us back going,” he said.
“We want to be competitive for a long time to come. It wasn’t a case of simply wanting to get up there and be competitive for a year before dropping away like we have in the past.”
But like many other sporting clubs in recent times, the Blues haven’t been without difficulties that saw their promising premiership run come to a premature conclusion last season.
“It’s been challenging obviously with COVID-19; one half season and no season before that,” Souter said.
“A lot of work went in for no reward. It was taxing for everyone, not just the coaching staff.”
A playing coach at Tongala, Souter said he hoped to continue on-field as well, but that the decision will be played by ear.
Currently sitting third in the MFL with a 13-3 ledger, the Blues are still in the hunt for a top two spot with two rounds to play.
Souter will coach into the 40th anniversary year of the clubs 1983 premiership — the Blues last senior football flag.
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