After a year out of the game, former Riddell District Football League premiership player and coach Chris Meacham was itching to get back into the sport.
Having stepped down as coach of the Sunbury Kangaroos in 2015 due to health issues following an accident, Meacham spent many a weekend as a spectator this year.
He thought about coaching again and fielded offers from senior, junior and masters sides. He decided coaching would be too much, but found a new role to suit – football manager at his old club, the Sunbury Kangaroos.
“I had been tossing and turning whether to get back into it,” Meacham said last week as he returned from holidays to a football meeting.
“There was some good coaching offers and some assistant offers, but it got too much. When I left coaching, I was burnt out and that scared me a little.
“I thought, why not go back to the local club and stay involved?”
Meacham takes over the role from Mick Streiff, with Streiff still on board to help. Having coached the club and played a role in recruiting before, Meacham has a head start on what’s in front of him.
He said the salary cap and points system was something he had to get his head around.
Meacham said not having football this year had left a hole in his life. Meacham was injured when he and former Kangaroos teammate Lucas Dowson ran in front of a moving ute to save their kids.
The accident left Meacham with little use in his left arm.
He said that being unable to work had made the football environment even more important.
“I watched six or seven matches and the Kangaroos were so welcoming at the club,” he said.
“I also watched the grand final. I love the league and I need football.”
Kangaroos president Allan Walters said getting Meacham back at the club was a win for everyone.
“Having the year off, he’ll come back in refreshed,” Walters said.
“He’ll handle the general stuff like clearances, contracts and a lot of the game-day management. Mick will be on hand and work with Chris … we want to make sure we get it right.
“When we recruited him originally, we knew he was a quality person. He brings back experience and knowledge of the game. Everyone is happy to have him back.”
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos are looking for a netball co-ordinator and coaches for all four senior teams. Expressions of interest to: vals56@live.com.au. Closing date is November 7.
