Shane Lenon

Shane “Sparks” Lenon has had a long and illustrious association with AFL. Today, he is recognised as one of the most successful first-grade coaches in the Riverina, with his addresses to players being the stuff of legend; peppered with inspirational rev-ups like

“Lessons are learnt, trophies are earnt.”

“Keep the engine running, keep the kettle boiling!”

“Dream, believe, achieve.”

“Climb the mountain one more time.”

“A game of footy is like building a house, brick by brick!”

A highly respected footballer, Shane commenced his career playing for his hometown club Ganmain Grong Grong Matong (GGGM). With GGGM, he was a key member of 1985’s Under 19 Premiership team training under coach “Turkey Tom” Carroll, Carlton’s inaugural Coleman medallist.

Shane’s subsequent career as a senior footballer saw him represent Ganmain Grong Grong Matong, Myrtleford, North Albury, Lockhart and Collingullie (the ‘Gullie). As a player he won eight club ‘Best and Fairest’ awards, winning at least one at every club he played for. Additionally, he represented the Riverina, Ovens & Murray, Hume and Farrer leagues as well as NSW.

In 28 years of coaching in the Riverina, Shane has amassed an astonishing resume which today, remains unmatched, not only in the Riverina, but possibly throughout NSW. As of September 2025, he has won a total of 14 premierships – 12 as a coach playing and non-playing - two Jim Quinn Medals, an Azzi Medal and the Gerald Clear Medal. He also coached the NSW state side for one year.

His most gratifying premiership success came in 2014, when the ‘Gullie triumphed over traditional rivals and red-hot favourites Mangoplah CUE by 13 points after trailing by 37 points half-way through the second quarter.

Ten years later, he once again led the ‘Gullie to a win, this time over his hometown club of Ganmain-GGM. This premiership win was especially sweet as GGGM had been unbeaten all season and had beaten the ‘Gullie at all previous eight encounters including three finals.

Coaching stints with Ganmain-GGM, Collingullie and Marrar led to further premiership success. In 2025, Shane is back coaching the ‘Gullie, and alongside assistant coach Mitch Maguire, will co-coach the Collingullie Demons Football team through the 2026 football season.

In 2025, Shane was inducted into the inaugural NSW Australian Football Hall of Fame.