Woodend-Hesket has appointed its captain to coach the club for 2024.
Alistair Rae will coach the Riddell District Football League club following Josh Pound’s departure from the role.
Rae was named captain in his second year at the Hawks after moving from Essendon District Football League club Strathmore, and has been assistant coach for the last two seasons under Pound.
Rae will be stepping down from his role of captain but will maintain his spot in the starting 22.
The Hawks finished runners up in the season just gone, reaching the grand final for the first time in 15 years.
“It’s very exciting, I’ve been at Woodend for quite a time now, and with Poundy stepping away, I felt like it was the right time to step up,” Rae said.
“There’s still a lot of belief at the club as long as we can maintain most of that key younger group.
“That’s our priority now to keep those guys and then just add a few little pieces that will complement the side, that’s our initial plan.
“We think we’re going to maintain most, it’s just a couple of the older guys who are moving on.”
Some of the older players who are leaving the club include, obviously Josh Pound and the Eagles best on ground on the grand final Tayte Pears is most likely to not return to the club. The exits leave spots to help Rae recruit players to help him play his style of play.
“There’s a couple of other guys we’re just not sure about, but we’re just leaving them be,” Rae said.
“What I want to compliment the side, it’s pretty much just speedy players, that is what we’re missing.
“We’ve already had a few guys in the pipeline for a while now, but just quick midfield forwards.”
Harper Sercombe
