Rupertswood has appointed former Riddell District Football League premiership winning coach Kevin Fitzgerald as its new senior coach.
The Sharks announced on Wednesday night they had come to agreement with Fitzgerald to lead the side next year.
Fitzgerald replaces Ben Jordan who coached the side the last two years.
Sharks president Paul Ross said everything had fallen into place.
“We are really fortunate that we picked him and he picked us,” Ross said. “He had been approached by other clubs wanting him to coach them.
“We wanted someone from outside the club to give a new perspective of things.
“He is very impressive with his resume and he encourages a good culture.
“He ticked all the boxes and everything slotted into place.”
Fitzgerald most recently coached Gisborne in the Bendigo Football League 2013 when he took them to a finals appearance. He was assistant coach at the Bulldogs the two years before that.
It will be his third stint in the RDFL having previously coached Romsey and Lancefield.
He coached the Redbacks in 2005-06 and finished runners-up and third.
At the Tigers, he coached them to the 2009 premiership before a third placed finish in 2010.
He has spent the last two years concentrating on his business interests.
Ross said Fitzgerald had signed a one year contract with the option of a second year.
“His coaching record speaks for itself with the way he coaches and his coaching techniques,” Ross said.
“His involvement with Box Hill and Hawthorn is a big plus. He has kept up to date with coaching techniques the last couple of years.”
After being quiet on the recruiting front last season, Ross said they hoped to pick up a couple of players.
“We hope Kevin’s contacts with that will help, but we haven’t gone that far down that path yet as he has only just signed.
“We’d love to pick up a couple of players, it will depend on the budget.”
