Essendon District Football League club Hillside will be coached by Steve Burns next season.
The Sharks announced the exciting coaching coup last week.
Burns replaces outgoing coach Steven Kolyniuk.
It won’t take Burns long to get accustomed to his new surroundings, having coached fellow division 1 side Taylors Lakes for the past six seasons.
Hillside vice-president Adam Volpato was rapt to have someone of Burns’ quality on board.
“We had many quality applicants, both internal and external, apply for the senior coaching position,” he said.
“Steve Burns was selected due to his demonstrated coaching successes, principles and philosophies. Steve is extremely passionate about the challenge that has been presented to him for season 2015.”
Burns took Taylors Lakes to a division 1 premiership win in 2010, just his second season in the top job.
After being promoted to the EDFL’s premier division, Taylors Lakes was relegated a year later.
The Lions went on to play finals the next three years, including this season.
Burns will take on a Hillside outfit which finished seventh this season after five wins.
The Sharks will be looking to rise up the ladder next season, with several exciting young players ready to take the next step.
And with great junior numbers coming through the ranks and strong representation at the Western Jets, Volpato said the club’s focus on home grown juniors would continue.
“Hillside Football Club had six representatives from the under-18 group play at the Western Jets [in 2014],” he said. “This was a huge credit to 2014 coach Steven Kolyniuk for giving these kids opportunities to play senior football.
“With the appointment of Steve Burns, this close relationship with the Western Jets and junior development will continue.
“We are fortunate enough at Hillside to have an exceptional junior playing list and will continue to focus on their development.”
