After holding coaching positions with Lavington for the past eight years and steering A-grade for four, Mathews will no longer be guiding the Panthers from the sidelines next year.

While Mathews will continue her role as an Ovens and Murray netball chairperson, she admits the season will have a different feel.

"When you've done it for four years, it becomes almost a way of life," Mathews said.

"With my own family commitments, having young children and another one on the way in April, the time was right to step back and look for a different kind of role and challenge that didn't have the commitment level that coaching an A-grade side has.

"I'm close to the girls, so it was definitely a tough decision, particularly given that we have come so close so many times and still have the bulk of the talent there.

"You always think you can go one better next year."

Lavington got off to a flying start this season before multiple injury blows derailed their finals campaign, bowing out to rivals Yarrawonga in the semi-finals.

"On reflection, we'll wonder what could have been," Mathews said.

"Unfortunately we'll be judged on where we finished this year in not making the grand final, but I think there's recognition that without those injuries, things could have been different."

Mathews landed at the Panthers 19 years ago and said in her time at the club one of the most pleasing aspects has been seeing their rise.

"One of the things I'm proud of is seeing the club become very competitive, successful and consistent across all grades," Mathews said.

"The ability for us to maintain that consistency is really pleasing and is because of the hard work many people have put in over the journey, to ensure we have a culture where we have high expectations of ourselves and are willing to work hard.

"Seeing the club reach that point has been a highlight, as well as some premierships along the way."

While Mathews' time at the helm of Panthers has ended, she admits her coaching days may not be completely over just it.

"I'm certainly not going to rule out being involved in some way somewhere, but where and how that is, I'll just wait and see," Mathews said.

"I don't feel like I need to rush into it anytime soon."