Tara Murray
Ian Shattock is looking forward to a new challenge after being appointed Caroline Springs coach for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 season.
The Falcons announced last week that Shattock, who has been part of the club for more than a decade, would step up to the role.
A five-time premiership player in his own right, Shattock’s coaching credentials include multiple representative positions while leading the club’s most successful junior group to four premierships across nine seasons.
Shattock said it was exciting to step up into the role.
“It’s good and I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a bit of a challenge.
“I’ve been an assistant coach for the last three to four years and this will be my first season as head senior coach.
“It’s not something that I always wanted to do, but it’s something that will be good to help the club.
“It’s something exciting and I can extend myself a little bit.”
Shattock said it makes it a little easier having already been at the club.
He said he already had an idea of the ins and outs of the club and has an idea what works.
“We’ve had three coaches in three years,” he said. “They’ve all had some good points and I’ll put my spin on it.”
Shattock takes over a side that had a strong 2023-24 season. The Falcons spent much of the season on top, before a poor finals series meant they missed the grand final.
Shattock said they should have gone better than they did in finals.
One area that Shattock said excites him is the youth that they have in the club.
“There are a lot of boys who have come up in seconds and firsts,” he said.
“It’s really good to see those boys take the next step. Each club relies on experienced players and imports, but you need young boys coming through and stepping up.
“This year will be a good challenge for them.”
Shattock said the club had signed a couple of recruits, but the club is still to announce them.
He said some players had moved on, including former playing-coach Shiran Rajakaruna.
“We’ve got some exciting recruits and some talented boys to help the younger boys coming through.
“Hopefully a couple of the younger boys I coached through under-17s come back as well. They’ve left to play at other clubs, but it would be nice to have them back.”
Tara Murray
