Former Centurion to coach Werribee in 2018

Former Centurion to coach Werribee in 2018

Werribee Centrals president Ed Cachia has confirmed former Centurion Nick Smith has been appointed as senior coach in 2018.

The former GDFL premiership player was introduced to his playing group this evening some 48 days after Peter Mark announced he would not commit to a fourth straight year at the helm.

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“We had an independent coaching panel consisting of two past players and an independent to keep the process above board and all; we’re now happy with the final result,” Cachia explained.

“We had eight applicants, we did the interviews, checked the references and in the end we had to go with Nick.”

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The 45-year-old played in a total of three GDFL premierships in Werribee’s dominant era after stints with Coburg (VFL), Keilor Park (A-Grade EDFL) and Westbourne (VAFA).

Nevertheless it was his experience as a coach and his many character references which won over the panel since applications closed earlier this month.

In his second stint as Mount Waverley senior coach Smith guided his men to a Division 3 SFNL premiership in 2016 with a 67-point win over Ashwood.

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Picture courtesy of Julian Inglese.

This ended an 18-year drought consisting of six unsuccessful attempts as a club while many remember Smith’s son Jackson, likely to also join Werribee, landing an 80m goal that afternoon.

The Lions were then promoted and finished sixth in Division 2 with an 8-10 record this season where they defeated the eventual premiers Chelsea Heights last month.

“I met him for the first time on Saturday and I was very impressed,” Cachia said.

“He’s had a very good coaching record since he finished with the Centrals in 2002, did some time with the Western Jets (development coach) and also with Gary Ayres at Port Melbourne.”

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“Being a past player he understands the club and the GDFL and we couldn’t stop talking to him, he just loves his football.”

“He showed a commitment to his past club driving from Werribee to Waverley three to four times a week for the past five years.”
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“And though he knows many people at the club he submitted his application through AFL Barwon so we really want to emphasise that before his link with the club.”

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Werribee’s 5-13 record in 2017 saw the senior side finish 10th on the ladder while the side’s reserves were unable to sneak into the finals (finishing seventh with 10-8).

“We spoke to him about how Marksy (Peter Mark) was able to build from within with the points system and the salary cap and everything,” Cachia reflected.

“His knowledge of our season this year was pretty good; although he wasn’t around he watched many of our videos online in recent years and has a grasp on where we’re at.”

“And we won three flags out of six in the juniors this season in the WRFL so we’re on track in the years to come.”

 

Cachia also confirms that his A-Grade netball coaches Melissa Prismall and Nicole Weatherly are set to go for next year after a minor premiership (17-1 record).

“At presentation night both Mel and Nicole Weatherly were keen to avenge their grand final loss from this year,” Cachia added.

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“All indications say our netballers will be bigger and stronger next season so it’s an exciting time at the club.”

 

By Alex Tigani

GDFL Media (27/09/2017)

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