Former Richmond coach Jeff Gieschen is keen to help Gisborne rebuild and regain powerhouse status in the Bendigo Football League.
Gieschen, who coached the Tigers from 1997 to ’99 and also spent time as the AFL umpires’ boss, has been involved with the Bulldogs since applying for the club’s coaching role two years ago.
Circumstances meant Gieschen had to pull out of that race, but things have changed.
Last week, the Bulldogs named Gieschen as their coach for next year.
“It’s a terrific little club,” the coach says. “I want to support them however I can.”
Despite not having an official coaching role at a football club since 1999, Gieschen stayed involved with football, first as umpires boss then in a consulting role.
He doesn’t shy away from the challenges ahead.
The club finished sixth this year and several senior players have departed or are looking at leaving, including Tom Waters, Matthew Knox and Casey Summerfield, who have signed with Macedon.
He said he and the club would continue to talk with the players thinking about leaving but would also focus on youth.
“We’re building from the bottom up,” he said. “There are plenty of young kids in Gisborne who will have the opportunity to play senior football in the Bendigo Football League.
“The number one thing for the club is to foster and develop young talent,” Gieschen said. “We will work hard, but we will also have fun.”
Bulldogs president Colin Rodgers said the club couldn’t have found a better person to take on the coaching role.
“It’s a fantastic appointment for the club – we are rapt to get someone of Jeff’s quality,” Rodgers said.
“You are always hopeful of getting someone of his calibre to apply, but you’re never sure.”
The president said Gieschen’s coaching experience was exactly what the club needed.
“As well as being experienced, Jeff is a strong leader,” he said. “He’s a good communicator and we need that around the club. He fits in well with what we want.”
Both men said the club would be looking to recruit players in the off-season.
“We’ll be recruiting as we need some senior players at the club to provide leadership and bigger bodies,” Rodgers said.
Jarrad Lynch has been named Bulldogs’ captain for next year.
