The much-admired Brett Jacobs will return to the Western Region Football League to coach its interleague side for a second year.
Jacobs, who stepped down from his senior coaching gig with the Sunshine Kangaroos, citing work and family commitments, will be able to quench his thirst for coaching in a lighter capacity.
He was the inaugural coach of the WRFL’s senior representative side at last year’s AFL Victoria metropolitan championships, leading the side to a 36-point win over the Southern Football League and moving it up in the metro rankings.
This year, the WRFL is set for a tougher test against Eastern Football League on March 28, and Jacobs is seen as the man who can lead the west to an upset result.
“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,” WRFL chairman of selectors Steve Thom said.
“He has a lot of respect from the playing group and his enthusiasm and communication are second to none.”
Thom is not worried about Jacobs stepping down from club level. He actually thinks it will be beneficial for the interleague squad to have a coach whose sole focus is on beating the EFL.
“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,” Thom said.
Albion coach Aaron Tymms will again be one of Jacobs’ assistants, along with new appointments Brad Julier (Port Colts) and James Condos (Deer Park). Julier brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. A past Barry Priest Medal winner and premiership player for the Colts, he was an assistant at VFL level with the Box Hill Hawks.
“In my opinion, Brad is one of the best ruckmen the competition has seen in the last decade, so his onfield experience as well as his time at Box Hill will 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’s come on board.”
Condos led Deer Park to the 2011 WRFL division two flag and was once on the Western Bulldogs’ list.
A noted goalkicker, Condos is likely to take charge of the forward line.
