Tara Murray
Sunshine United has looked from within to find their next Victorian Turf Cricket Association coach.
The Tigers announced on Saturday that club stalwart Henry Popinski had been appointed the club’s coach for the 2022-23 season.
Popinski replaces Dean McGrath as coach, with McGrath holding the role for one season.
Popinski, who is a hall of famer and life member at the Tigers, won six A-turf premierships at the club including one as captain, while also part of four junior or lower grade premierships.
He is also a former president, committee member, junior coach and curator of the club.
The club in a social media post said Popinski was the right person for the job.
“Henry has spent the past several seasons playing in our lower grades where he has always led from the front with his training ethic and performances on matchday,” the post said.
“His cricket knowledge is outstanding and his understanding of what is required to succeed will be invaluable in the new role he takes on.
“During the interview process Henry presented a coaching philosophy which aligned with our club values and intentions to continue developing our young talent but at the same time return our senior sides to finals contention.”
In a statement, Popinski said the hard work starts now for the club, as it looks to get back to the top of the table.
The Tigers finished 13th in senior division last season with just one win, having won the premiership the season before.
“It’s an honour and privilege to be coaching the club I have been involved in most of my life and who has such a rich history of success,” he said.
“It’s going to be a challenge replicating some of the success achieved by some of the great coaches and teams before me, but I am really looking forward to the task at hand and working with my assistants, players, and committee to make this club a force again in the VTCA.”
