After making history with Kingborough, Jon Fenech is leaving Tasmania for the most important reason

Jon Fenech will leave Kingborough Lions United after a history-making 2026 season in NPL Tasmania.

Fenech will depart his roles as sporting director and head coach after two years at the club in order to return to Queensland to be closer to his daughter, having overseen one of the most memorable seasons in Kingborough’s history.

The Lions won the Lakoseljac Cup for the first time in 2026, securing a maiden place in the Australia Cup Round of 32 and the opportunity to host A-League giants Melbourne Victory at Lightwood Park.

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But after two years living away from his daughter Isabella, Fenech has made the decision to return home.

“I feel the time is right for me to be closer to her and more present during these important years of her life,” Fenech said.

“I’ll always be grateful to Kingborough Lions United and the people associated for giving me the opportunity to be part of it.”

Kingborough president Brian Downes credited Fenech for both the club’s results and the development of its Men’s High-Performance program, saying his “commitment and passion have left a lasting mark” on the Lions.

Fenech will now work with Kingborough through the transition before returning to Queensland, bringing an end to a two-year spell that delivered the Tasmanian club their biggest moment on the national stage.