Riddell District Football Netball League has announced that Arron 'Skip' Bray will coach its Senior football Interleague team in 2017.
Bray, who previously coached the Broadford Senior team in 2014 to 2016, takes over the role from Matt Power who coached the RDFNL squad in its past four Interleague campaigns.
Bray is currently mentoring James Philpot who has taken over as the new Broadford coach in 2017.
Bray's mentor, former Richmond coach and AFL Umpires' Manager Jeff Geischen urged him to apply for the position prior to Christmas.
"He was the one that pushed me to apply for that position," Bray says.
"To develop as a player and a coach, you have to have those mentors and Geisch (Jeff Geischen) always stays in touch and sees how things are going."
Bray is like a sponge; absorbing new knowledge about the game where he can. He has coached a number of former AFL stars who have been a big influence on him.
Brodie Holland (who now coaches the Essendon District Football League Senior Football Interleague team), Barry Hall (premiership captain at Sydney), Alan Ezard (duel Essendon premiership player) and Russell Robertson are a number of experienced former AFL footballers who Bray has coached and learn so much from.
"They gave me some good ideas on how to prepare a side," Bray says.
With eight weeks until the game against West Gippsland, it is hoped that the best players in the competition will be available as the best of the RDFNL is showcased in the state-wide competition.
"With me If you're going to do it (coach), and you want to be there, you'll give 100 percent, and I'd expect that with players," Bray says.
"Once you get there, they really wanted to win and that's what you want out of your players, and hopefully on May 13 we get that result that we're after."
"I'm pretty sure we'll have a win because we do have a lot of classy players, and I'd stress to all the coaches in the league to push their best players forward."
RDFNL Senior footballers lost to Alberton at Inverloch last year after defeating Nepean in 2015. The league hosts West Gippsland this year at Tony Clarke Reserve, Macedon on Saturday, May 13.
RDFNL has also announced that Chris Wilson will continue as Under 18s Football Interleague coach.
Catch the full interview below -
Last Modified on 21/03/2017 17:25