There will be a few new faces on the benches of senior clubs in 2016 with a number of clubs changing coaching directions for 2016.
After giving over the reigns to the Tathra Sea Eagles at the conclusion of the 2011 season Tathra legend Brad McBain is back on board as senior coach for the 2016 season. The star forward will be looking to build on season 2015 where the Sea Eagles matched it with the Merimbula Diggers for three quarters during their preliminary final loss. The the extent to which McBain impacts the game as a player is highly unknown with McBain playing a handful of games over the past two seasons although his impact off field will be immense having won back to back premierships with the Sea Eagles previously.
With Eden looking to return to the senior grade in 2016 the club will also have a familiar face at the helm with Shane Crowe looking to build off the success of the clubs 2015 season where they claimed the development premiership.
Three of the remianing five clubs have their senior man in place with planning already underway for the 2016 season.
Bermagui will be looking to bounce back in 2016 after a tough season this year as the club has appointed local Robert Beuzeville to lead the Breakers back up the table. Having a distinguished career with the Merimbula Digger's and being named in the Sapphire Coast AFL 25th Anniversary All Stars, Robert Beuzevelle will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Breakers in 2016.
At the other end of the scale the Pambula Panthers have appointed local product Scott Proctor as their player coach for season 2016. Proctor at age 22 takes over from Sean Smith and the pressure will be on from day one with the club chasing a third consecutive flag! Having coached the development side in 2015 Proctor will be looking to have another stellar 2016 where he finished with a premiers medal as well as being the 2015 best and fairest.
After falling short of a premiership in 2014 and 2015 against the Pambula Panthers the Diggers have decided to make a change at the top in appointing Ian Radford to the senior role. Having grown up in Paynesville in East Gippsland before moving to Merimbula in 2013 Radford has a number of senior years under his belt. Radford will be looking to take the Diggers back to the top in 2016.
Although Narooma FC and Bega FC have not yet appointed coaches the rumour mill is in overdrive.
All indications are pointing towards Narooma FC appointing Mick Clothier in 2016 to help mentor and lead their young talent into senior football. While Bega FC is reportably interested in signing John Jessop for season 2016 to provide leadership to the club.
Last Modified on 18/03/2016 18:06