If Andy Vargas can transfer anywhere near the same level of success he had as a player into his coaching career, Green Gully is on a winner.
The Cavaliers announced earlier this month that Vargas, a Green Gully legend, will take over the under-18 side in 2015.
As a player, Vargas was a three-time national underage representative, two-time state representative and played in four winning grand final sides with the Gully.
He was also a part of the Cavaliers’ 2013 Dockerty Cup championship.
Green Gully president Raymond Mamo said having Vargas as a coach was a coup for the club.
“To retain someone who has achieved what Andy has achieved is fantastic,” he said. “All that he’ll be able to take to our junior level now.”
Vargas was hoping to play one final season for Green Gully next year, but a knee injury fast-tracked his coaching plans.
He says he will try to pass on his winning mentality to the club’s next generation of players.
“I’ve been at the club for a long time and I feel this is the natural next step for me, to get involved and start handing down the knowledge I had as a player,” he said.
“I’ve thought about it [coaching] for a while, mainly in the past three years as I’ve matured as a player.
“First and foremost, I want the kids to identify with a winning mentality.’’
The signing of Vargas continues what has already been a busy off-season for the Cavaliers.
The club has reconfirmed Bob Stojcevski as head coach after he took over as caretaker coach this year.
Green Gully has also moved quickly to strengthen its 2015 playing squad, signing up Aaron Cohen, Seb Mattei and Alon Blumgart.
The trio, all in their early 20s, have moved from FC Bendigo.
“Those guys actually did pre-season with us last year,” Mamo said.
“Unfortunately, the team had already been established and players had already signed when they came to do pre-season with us.
“They’ve always wanted to play for Green Gully, and they’ve come back this year and we’ve signed them.”
