Roos coach re-signed
by Matt Nicholls
WHILST the final decision was well overdue, Broadford Football Club gladly decided last week that Chris Nolan will be rewarded with another stint as head coach next year.
After a terrific season which saw Nolan cut down on player payments and take the Roos into the finals, the non-playing coach is rapt to get another crack at coaching Broadford.
Although the decision was made late compared to many other coaching appointments in the area, Nolan said he had plans in motion to counter the untimeliness of the arrangement.
“Since we were knocked out of the finals this year I’ve been thinking and planning on how we can improve next year,” he said.
"There were obvious frustrations that I needed to discuss with the committee before I committed; and even wondered at one stage whether the club thought senior success was paramount."
"Now its all been taken care of I’m keen and confident we’ll have a good season next year.”
While not confirmed, Nolan said he was hopeful he would retain most of this year’s players for the 2008 season. Kilmore recruit John Rowe is the only departure to date, having moved to Queensland.
There have been strong rumours in the Heathcote District Football League that this year’s Roos skipper Chris Dunne will sign at Bonnie Doon in coming weeks.
The Free Press is led to believe that not only will Dunne depart the Roos this year, he will also try and take some of Broadford's young stars with him to Bonnie Doon.
Nolan refused to give up on his skipper, and said he was a required player at Broadford next year.
“I have spoken to Chris, and he has told me he is speaking to Bonnie Doon this week and he said he'll inform me ASAP of his intentions, because it will leave a huge hole to fill should he leave, not to mention finding a replacement (as skipper).”
Nolan said if the captain did leave, it would leave a lot of the young players devastated, who showed faith in him by electing him as skipper.
“I think the playing group saw a much more committed Chris Dunne when they voted him captain last season, I'm hoping he'll repay their faith and stay,” Nolan said.
With confirmation that Broadford’s leading forward John Taylor has recommitted to the Roos next year, Nolan said he has good foundations to make the side go an extra step in 2008.
"We’ve got a heap of young blokes who I expect to take on much bigger roles next year. They had a taste of it this year,” he said.
After finishing the season in fourth position, Broadford was bundled out in the elimination final by Heathcote, a club that is also expected to advance next year.
Along with the success of the reserves (premiers) and Under 17s (runner-up), the future of the Roos is looking bright.
Nolan said younger players such as Matt Coomans, Liam Collier, Justin Webb, Nathan Simpson and Tyrell Dunne could be regular senior players next season.
“It’s going to be tougher to make the five next year as other clubs are spending up, but I think we have a list capable of doing it.”
Nolan has been busily approaching possible recruits, and may even have a brand new recruit within the ranks.
“I'd love to see to see Tommy Webster commit to senior footy. He’s a multiple premiership player who has had to overcome a serious illness.
“He proved he was still capable by winning our reserves best and fairest this year. Hopefully he now realises he still has plenty to offer at senior level.”
Taking over the reserves coaching job is John Boulton after reigning premiership coach Glenn Shearer did not seek re-appointment. Instead he sought the vacant Kilmore senior position recently appointed to Campbell Speers.
Pre-season training for Broadford will commence at Harley Hammond Reserve next Wednesday, December 5 at 6pm.