Anthony Eames will return as coach of the Western Region Football League’s senior interleague side in 2017.
The newly-appointed Spotswood coach was in charge of the WRFL combined side at the AFL Victoria Community Championships last season, leading them to a stirring three-point win over Ballarat Football League.
For the second year in a row, the WRFL climbed the interleague ranks, and opposition will get tougher this season with its winter clash against the powerful Northern Football League.
“The NFL will be a tough assignment, but the effort and the buy-in from players last year proved we are more than capable of matching it with some of the best,” Eames said.
There will be another familiar face on the WRFL coaching panel, with Brett Jacobs back on board as assistant coach. And former Spotswood coach Chris O’Keefe, now coaching at Albion, will be another assistant, while Steve Thom will continue as chairman of selectors.
WRFL football operations manager Tim Shellcot was thrilled with the re-appointment of Eames.
“Anthony is a well-respected coach – we are looking forward to working with him, his coaching team and all the players as we chase back-to-back community championship victories.”
Eames will be scouring the west for best young guns for possible selection.
“We won’t be changing the way we go about it this year; the players are expected to commit to the program and they have to come with a passion for the western suburbs,” he said.
“Last year’s group was outstanding.
“If most of the players who played last year are still involved with the WRFL and are in good form, then they will certainly come under consideration to be selected.
“There is a lot of young players coming through the ranks as well – there is some great talent in this competition, and this year I would like to identify those players a little better.
“If we can get a similar group on board this year, and they are committed to the team, then that will hold us in good stead.”
The WRFL’s clash with the NFL will take place on May 13 at a venue to be decided.
Lance Jenkinson
