He's the new leader of the pride and has big shoes to fill, but he is most definitely up to the task.
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A man well respected within the Mittagong Lions Rugby League Club, now Matthew Aiken is ready to take the club into the future with his presidency.
Taking over from his close friend David Elliot, Aiken has nothing but respect for the former leader of the pack and knows he has strong support from the club and the former president.
"It was a natural progression becoming president," Aiken said.
"Dave is worthy of a street parade in my eyes. I have some big shoes to fill taking over from Dave, but I'm ready for the challenge.
"Last year I talked Dave into going around for another year as president. He was a little worn down, but I reassured him I would pitch in to help him as much as I could and I honoured my side of that agreement.
"I just felt like it was my time to step up."
Aiken with his charismatic charm and humour spoke of his life in footy and humbly dodged a question about his playing career.
"My playing history in footy isn't great (laughs)," Aiken said.
"We don't talk about mine, so we'll skip to the next question (laughs). You can print that too (laughs)."
The Mittagong Lions implemented Pathway Programs which have helped their players immensely off the field. Aiken ensures he will continue to help out the youth of the club as much as he can.
"We'll always have that connection with the Pathways Programs," Aiken said.
"We're a huge fans of it. When we interview coaches we make sure that they're ready to cultivate and nurture the programs.
"It's a huge deal in our eyes. We want to continue helping our kids on and off the field. It's a great concept and embraced by everyone at the club."
2019 was a tough season for the Lions on and off the field. Their heart of the team was ripped out during the season, but the club banded together and look to honour their late mates as best they can
"We want to be an excellent family orientated club," Aiken said.
"We are one already, but there is always room for improvement. We could have folded from a broken heart this year with the loss of Andrew "AB" Bayliss and Timothy Moule.
"Everyone within the club really stepped up and helped one another get through such a tough time. There is another family within the club going through hell at the moment and they're at the top of our prayer list. We will always be there for them.
"On the field we haven't won a competition in first grade for 25 years. Let's face it, you don't play rugby league to lose. Success starts at the top. I'd love to be a part of a committee that can achieve that. The supporters are the ones coming to our games each week, paying their hard earned at the gate.
"We want them to believe in us and buy into that we can win a premiership in the near future."
Throughout all the pain, the club has come through it all and will look to make 2020 and beyond as bright as possible.
"The future of the club is looking really good," Aiken said.
"We're healthy with our numbers and at this point in time. We've identified three to four positions that will require imports, but we will never buy a competition.
"We have an abundance of local talent. We may coax a few retired players out of retirement, but we will never buy a comp while I'm around.
"We want to also reconnect with some of the old boys from the club. Club stalwart Bob Hall told me to surround myself with good loyal people and we did so at the clubs AGM last week with the election of the new committee.
"There's a really great vibe around the club. We didn't go great on the scoreboard last season, but that was a fair reflection on what we went through as a club. Injuries and tragedy hobbled us, but that is behind us now, it's nothing but onward and upward for us at the Lions."
Aiken can't promise one, but he is determined to bring the mighty green and gold glory. 2020 will be a fresh start for him and the club.
"We're over due a premiership," Aiken said.
"I can't promise one, but we will be looking to go deep, deep into semi-final football. As a leader I will be doing my best to make sure we're in it to win it. I have always loved the Lions and I'll be flexible in my thinking to ensure us winning.
"But coming fifth and bowing out in the first week of finals, that is definitely not on our radar.
"We want to be playing deep semi-finals footy and then anything can happen in the finals. I go to church, so anything can happen (laughs)."
To keep up to date with the Mittagong Lions you can follow them on their junior and senior Facebook pages at: www.facebook.com/mittagonglionsseniorrugbyleague and www.facebook.com/MLJRLFC
For sponsorship interest please contact Matthew Aiken on 0419 425 489.