Brett Jacobs will once again pilot the WRFL’s best players after being re-appointed coach of the league’s senior representative squad.
The decision comes as the WRFL begins its preparations for its clash with the Eastern Football League (EFL) at the 2015 AFL Victoria Metropolitan Championships on March 28.
Despite stepping down from his coaching position at the Sunshine Football Club last year, Chairman of Selectors Steve Thom says Jacobs is the right man for the job.
“Brett’s performance last year was outstanding, from the preparation leading into the event as well as on game day, he was a complete professional.
“He has a lot of respect from the playing group and his enthusiasm and communication is second to none.
“After stepping down from his role at Sunshine, he has more time during the pre-season to put all his efforts into the 2015 interleague carnival, which will no doubt be of great benefit for the team.”
Also returning to the coach’s box as an assistant is Albion’s Aaron Tymms, while newly appointed Port Colts coach Brad Julier and Deer Park’s James Condos will make their debuts as assistant coaching staff.
A past Barry Priest medalist and premiership player for the Colts, Julier brings a wealth of knowledge to the squad, with his coaching experience with VFL powerhouse Box Hill Hawks set to put the team in good stead.
“In my opinion Brad is one of the best ruckmen the competition has seen in the last decade, so his on-field experience as well as his time at Box Hill will no doubt come in handy for our on-ball and midfield players,” Thom said.
“Having also played in the rep squad last year, he knows all about the passion required for the match so we’re really excited that he has come on board.”
Fellow assistant coach James Condos’ football expertise will also be an asset to players, having led Deer Park to the 2011 Division Two flag and kicking over 490 career goals.
“James is one of those guys with a certain x-factor,” Thom said.
“His leadership and football ability has earned him great respect from players he’s played with and against.
“Combine that with his dangerous kicking skills and he will no doubt be an asset to our forward line structures.”
The AFL Victoria Metro Championships will once again see Melbourne’s six metropolitan leagues meet in a triple-header, with the Victorian Amateur Football League (VAFA) to take on Northern Football League (NFL) in the 1st vs 2nd match, while Essendon District Football League (EDFL) will battle it out with the Southern Football League (SFL) in 5th vs 6th.
Promoted to the 3rd vs 4th clash after a successful 36-point win over the SFL last year, the WRFL (fourth) will look to make it two on the trot when it takes on the third ranked EFL at VISY Park.
“From our point of view, being involved in representative football is not only a great honour for our players and staff, but also a great honour for our clubs and the competition as a whole,” Thom said.
“While we have great respect for the EFL, they are currently standing in our way of reaching the top echelon of metropolitan football and we are keen to ensure that no one gets in our way.”
An initial representative squad is set to be released in the coming days, with training to commence later next month.
Last Modified on 22/01/2015 12:47