Tara Murray
Zammy Muhtari always had the ambition to coach St Albans Football Club, but the opportunity has come a couple of years earlier than he expected.
Muhtari has a long coaching career at the club, starting out in juniors before becoming the senior assistant coach at the Western Region Football League club the past few years.
With Sam Butler heading back to Western Australia due to work commitments, Muhtari has stepped up to the main role at the Saints.
“I’m really grateful and honoured to be given this position,” he said.
“I always had the ambition to coach one day and the position opened up with Sam heading back to Western Australia.
“There was always a succession plan, but it has come 12 to 24 months earlier than expected.
“I’ve always wanted to do what is best for the club and everything has lined up.”
Muhtari takes over a side that was starting to build a good base heading forward. This year they had 13 new players arrive.
The club was sitting seventh outside the top five on percentage with a 6-6 record when the season was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Saints had been hoping to play finals for the first time in eight years.
“It was disappointing for all footy lovers,” he said.
“The boys have started work the last two years and haven’t been able to get a full season in.
“Hopefully we can have a full season next year.”
Muhtari said some of the playing group had mentioned about trying to start pre-season training earlier to get back into it.
He said everything would depend on announcements from the state government.
In a good sign for the Saints, Muthari said they were set to keep most of the playing group next year.
“Most of the group is eager to stay together,” he said.
“We will go out and recruit in the areas we need to put our best foot forward and hopefully play finals.
“We’re always looking for height and speed.”
