A FAMILIAR face will lead Merrivale into the 2009 Warrnambool and District Football Netball League season after reserves premiership coach Luke Attrill was appointed to the top job.
The 29-year-old, who guided the Tigers reserves this year, claimed the playing-coach role on Tuesday.
Attrill described the appointment as being a straightforward process.
"The club approached me, I went away to think about it, and I said yes," Attrill said.
Attrill played football for Allansford and in Noosa before joining Merrivale in 2003. He said his first challenge would be to keep the team together.
"We need to continue to have a tight-knit group, develop the young guys and get the side bonded," he said.
"We have some exciting young players coming up so it's important to keep the nucleus of the side together."
Attrill also hinted some big names were looking at the club to fill key positions on the ground next season.
"There are some high-profile recruits in the mix who could fill a few areas we need help in," he said.
The onballer and back line player predicted Merrivale would be a competitive team in 2009.
"We expect to be playing finals football next year," he said.
Last Modified on 28/12/2008 20:22