By Justin Van Heerden
Returning Magpies' player Nick Thiele takes on additional responsibility by becoming the club's new coach.
Thiele got his start in the sport due to both his parents begin from South Australia and his dad having a background in AFL.
"I was born in Mackay and I played a few different sports before going in AFL," Thiele said.
The opportunity to coach came up and thiele jumped at it after assisting with training sessions throughout the season last year.
"My dad use to coach and I'm lucky to have worked with some great coaches sos I will take what I learned and apply it," he said.
"I will be playing and coaching, I'm not done playing just yet," thiele is under no illusion about the challenges that come juggling coaching with playing.
"It'll be tough belnding the two although I'm not phased; I'm ready to do it," he said.
"I have my dad Peter who will help me on the sideline and few others so it should work well."
Thiele is excited for the season to start and looks forward to playing the Hawks and defending premiers, the Swans.
"We have had some tough games with the Hawks, it's always physical and intense and sometimes the scoreboard doesn't always show it," Thiele said.
"It would be good to get a win over the Swans early in the season; it would be a boost for us."
thiele believes the season ahead will be a competitive one as all clubs have strong teams.
Last Modified on 01/03/2016 20:17