Darren Flanigan has been announced as the new AFL Victoria VFL Academy Coach/Mentor. Darren takes over from Nathan Bibby who has taken up a new role with the Western Bulldogs, coordinating the Whitten Project.
Darren is no stranger to AFL Victoria, having fulfilled the role of Region Manager of the Dandenong Southern Stingrays over 10 years between 2001 – 2010.
Darren will bring plenty of experience to the AFL Victoria VFL Academy role, with over 40 players recruited to the AFL from the Stingrays during his time with the region, including the likes of Tom Scully, Shane Savage and Steven Milne.
Darren will be working exclusively for AFL Victoria and will be contacting VFL Clubs, TAC Cup Clubs and AFL Recruiters over the coming weeks to start sourcing nominations for the 2013 intake for the VFL Academy.
In its inaugural year in 2012, the VFL Academy saw three draftees, with 2012 VFL Fothergill-Round Medallist and North Ballarat player Dean Towers selected by Sydney, and Williamstown’s Jack Frost and Werribee’s Kyle Hartigan rookie listed by Collingwood and Adelaide respectively. Another member of the VFL Academy, Northern Blues Adam Marcon won the inaugural VFL Coaches Player of the Year Award.
Darren will begin his role with AFL Victoria on February 1.
AFL VICTORIA VFL ACADEMY BACKGROUND
The AFL Victoria VFL Academy program provides nominated players additional development experiences to the high quality programs already offered at Peter Jackson VFL Clubs.
The VFL Academy exposes the players involved to the current AFL Victoria Academy practices, philosophy and resources.
One of the goals for the Academy is for these VFL players to be better prepared for their transition to an AFL Club environment and therefore more likely to succeed at that level.
The Academy program compliments VFL training programs and schedules, and includes participation in the VFL State Game (subject to selection) and the AFL Victoria Young Guns game in September.
Last Modified on 31/01/2013 11:23