Allan Walters is returning to football coaching after 10 years, having been named the Sunbury Kangaroos’ women’s coach.
Walters, who is president of the Kangaroos, has been a big supporter of the women’s side, attending every game last season.
“We had a few people who were interested,” he said.
“Watching this year, I sort of got the coaching bug back a bit.”
Braiden Wilson, who was part of the coaching panel this year, will be an assistant coach, with the rest of the coaching panel still to be settled.
There will be a back-to-basics focus on fitness and skills.
The Kangaroos, in the their first season, finished third after the home-and-away games before being knocked out in the semi-finals.
Walters said injuries had taken a toll.
“We had about 30 players and in the end we played our second final with 19,” he said.
“Throughout the year, the backline did a really good job and the onballers did a great job, but we crucified our forwards, taking players to fill other roles.
“Hopefully, we can put in a few game plans to kick a few more goals.”
Walters replaces Danni Green as coach, with Green to continue as a player with a leadership role.
Walters admits he’ll have to brush up his coaching knowledge after such a big break. Before his break, he coached the Kangaroos to two reserves flags and an under-16 premiership.
After playing their inaugural season in the AFL Goldfields women’s competition, the Kangaroos could be on the move next season.
The club has applied for the team to join the Essendon District Football League competition.
After having a combined competition with the Western Region Football League, the EDFL is set to have a stand-alone league next year.
Walters said the proposed move was based on reducing the amount of travel for games.
The Kangaroos, who will start pre-season training on October 19, are looking for new players of any ability. Call Allan on 0400 408 019.
