Southern Power AFC is very pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Oakley as the Senior Coach of the club for the 2016 AFL Sydney season.
No stranger to the club, Oakley was a key member of the 2010 1st Grade premiership side while also successfully serving as the Club’s President at the time. After a number of years playing in Victoria and the Riverina, Bill returned to the Power this year as a player and now takes the reigns as senior coach for the first time.
A respected leader who has previously had a significant influence at the club, Bill brings with him a strong teaching philosophy, with an emphasis on understanding team structures.
"I am certainly thrilled to accept the role and I am excited about what the future holds for this talented group and great club.”
Constructing a layered game plan focusing on accountability and playing as a team will be a focal point for Oakley as he takes over the senior side with a strong support team around him.
“I am excited by the opportunity of delivering a quality program and brining a new dynamic to the playing group and will also look to use some of my contacts to bring in a larger support crew than previously seen,” says Oakley. “This should provide an environment that is as professional as any other club in Sydney and should set the club up for sustained success into the future."
Oakley is under no illusions of the challenge he faces in the strong Division One competition of returning the side to finals football however is bullish about the clubs chances in 2016.
"There is a wealth of talent within this group, and with the core of the players now having played well over 50 games together, I am confident that on field success is just around the corner.”
It’s an extremely exciting time for the Southern Power with the long awaited move to Waratah Park finally becoming a reality in the new year. The $1.5 million development is due for completion early in the new season and will include new spacious amenities, 200 lux lighting capable of night football and a brand new surface. This move will be a major shot in the arm for the club and should ensure the Power will become an attractive option for quality players and local juniors in Sydney’s south.
After an extensive interview process with a number of high quality candidates, new Southern Power Club President Cameron Roe is excited by the appointment of Oakley as Senior Coach as well as the prospects provided by the relocation to Waratah Park.
"I am really pleased to have such a strong leader in Bill on board as head coach with his experience in quality football environments in AFL heartlands and his obvious passion for the club," says Roe.
“2016 shapes as a really significant year in the clubs history and the appointment of a quality individual in Bill along with the new home ground at Waratah means the future looks bright.”
The 2016 campaign for all teams officially commences with the first pre-season training session on Monday 23rd November at Lincoln Oval, Waratah Park in Sutherland (Rawson Parade) at 6:30pm.
Last Modified on 11/11/2015 15:21
