by Gav McGrath
FORMER Ballarat Football League under-18 interleague coach and Lexton Plains league premiership player Anthony “AJ” Beacham will take charge at Maryborough-based Royal Park for the 2016 season.
The 39-year-old, who played more than 100 games for Daylesford Football Club in the Ballarat Football League, has signed to coach “Bushy” in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League on a one year deal with an option for a second season.
Beacham successfully led Ballarat’s under-18 football campaign at the VCFL Interleague Championships from 2011-2015.
As a player and coach he has had a direct involvement in two grand finals and 10 preliminary finals in the Ballarat Football League, Central Highlands Football League and the former Lexton Plains Football League.
Beacham says he is confident he can help take the Tigers to “the next level” after consecutive finals series.
“I believe I will bring a hardened professional approach to the club,” he said.
“It is my intention to set clear directions as to what is required from all within the club, to be better at what we currently do either on or off the ground.”
“After a few years away from club footy I have the passion back, and the opportunity to coach a team which is clearly on the up was an opportunity which was too good to refuse.”
Beacham began his playing career at Ballarat Football League Redan, playing senior football from the age of 16, before two seasons with North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup.
His first senior coaching role was with Central Highlands club Learmonth between 2006-2009, the Lakies playing in four finals series during that time, including two preliminary finals.
In 2010 AJ played alongside his brother Tim at Skipton in the Lexton Plains Football League winning the premiership against Lexton before playing in a losing CHFL grand final with Daylesford in 2011.
Royal Park Football Netball Club president Brendan Johnson said Beacham’s experience coaching both senior club and junior interleague level made him an ideal candidate to take Bushy into the top four.
Last Modified on 20/11/2015 13:38