James Kenworthy - Senior Men’s Coach

As our Premiership Coach in 2023 and 2024, we are very excited to have James Kenworthy return in 2026 to lead our Men’s program as Senior coach.

  • James is a former junior player at Surrey Park.

  • He returned to the club in 2022 after many years playing Premier Division Football.

  • James has been our senior coach since mid-way through the 2022 season, and is now a dual Premiership Coach!

  • James is passionate about the club and committed to further success.

  • He embraces the women’s program and is focused on whole of club success.

Paul Harte - Senior Men’s Assistant Coach

We’re excited to have Paul recommit to the club for season 2026 as Men’s Senior Assistant Coach.

Passionate about footy and committed to developing talent, Paul’s focus is on player growth, team success, and building a strong, high-performance football culture.

Paul’s playing career began at East Doncaster before he progressed to Fitzroy U19s (VFL, captain, 1984) and Preston (VFA). Paul was in Collingwood’s pre-season squad in 1986.

Paul brings an impressive coaching resume across both Blackburn Junior and Senior Football Clubs as well as at the Eastern Ranges Football Club. Paul served as Premier Division Under 19s Head Coach, achieving premiership success in 2019 and minor premiers in 2021. Paul also worked as a Premier Division seniors line coach, contributing to a grand final appearance in 2019 and more recently served as the Premier Division development coach, leading the team to back-to-back premierships in 2022 and 2023 and runners-up in 2024.

Paul’s coaching philosophy is built on developing well-rounded footballers, emphasizing skill progression, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities, whilst striving to create an environment where players are encouraged to challenge themselves, embrace hard work, and contribute to a strong team culture.

Paul’s passion for the game and dedication to player growth will assist all Surrey Park teams and individuals to reach their full potential, both on and off the field.

Chris “Chops” Langkau - Senior Womens Coach

‘Chops’ returns as our Women’s coach in 2026.

Chops has a long history at Surrey Park, having previously coached Men’s Reserves and U19’s teams, prior to coaching the Surrey Park Women’s team in their Division Two premiership of 2024.

Chops also has nearly 500 games playing experience as a senior player across Caulfield and Oakleigh so it’s hard to find anyone with more footy knowledge.

Josh Blake - Senior Men’s Development Coach

Now a premiership coach, Josh continues on as coach of the Men’s Development team in season 2026. With a long history at Surrey, Josh:

  • is a Player Life Member of the Surrey Park Junior Football club

  • played in our Under 19 and Men’s Development teams through 2018-2021

  • has been played a significant role in player recruitment since 2021

  • has a genuine love for the club, generating great energy where he's involved to help keep the Panthers improving.

Mark Phillips - Under 19’s Coach

We’re excited to have Mark move into Senior football coaching ranks, following an extremely successful stint as a coach with our Junior Club. In his final season of Juniors, Mark was the Assistant Coach for our Surrey Sharks Youth Boys team who claimed the Youth Boys Div1 premiership in the YJFL in 2025.

Mark is a passionate football person, with a passion for teaching both the game and life skills to young men.