THREE-time North Gambier premiership coach Justin McConnell will lead the Tigers on-field in season 2019.
McConnell returned to the South East earlier this year which proved opportune for the Tigers who farewelled 2016 premiership coach Winis Imbi at Saturday night’s end-of-season function after three seasons at the helm.
No stranger to followers of the Western Border Football League, McConnell coached North Gambier from 2010 to 2015 – including a golden premiership run from 2012 to 2014.
McConnell played over 100 games across his six seasons at the helm and booted 116 and 101 goals respectively in the 2015 and 2011 seasons, with his overall tally nearing the 500 mark.
After a heart-breaking grand final loss to South Gambier in 2015, McConnell announced plans to return home to Victoria to be closer to family and explore work opportunities.
In a statement issued yesterday, North Gambier said McConnell’s mid-year return was “a blessing in disguise” after wife Noni took the reins of the A Grade netball side from Anita Schroder who stepped aside for personal reasons during the season.
North Gambier football president Jamie Walters said the club’s committee was “strong” on signing a playing coach.
“Even though we have good spread coaches in a non-playing capacity, the on-ground leadership and direction for our group which is actually young in age was key in the appointment of Justin,” Walters said.
“We had some good applicants and it was not just a case of what was in front of our noses, we worked through our process and the coaching panel could not go past the qualities of Justin as a coach and what he brings to the club on and off field.”
McConnell – who has spent the past two seasons playing for Murrabit in Victoria’s Golden Rivers Football League – said he was excited and looked forward to the start of pre-season training.
“We believe the list at North Gambier is still quite strong and I hope to bring the fun and enjoyment back to the group’s football,” McConnell said.
“In conversations with senior players and officials it is evident there is a genuine desire to improve, continue to develop and respond positively to what was a disappointing season this year.”
The Tigers will look to improve on its fifth place finish in 2018 after many years of dominance in the Western Border.
North Gambier is yet to make official announcements regarding the rest of the club’s coaches but it’ is likely 2018 assistant coach Beau Harris will continue and be joined by club and league legend Scott Flett on McConnell’s coaching panel.
“We are in a good position to make announcements very soon on all our coaches,” Walters said.
Current football operations manager Jonathan Bruhn will step down from the role in 2019, with five-time reserves premiership coach Kevin Bryan filling the void.
“Jonathan is quality person around the club and works tirelessly behind the scenes, he is true club person,” Walters said.
“He will still be around to guide and teach Kevin the role.
“2019 could not come around quick enough, there is a healthy excitement around the place already.”
