Undefeated Eastern Swans Coach, Brad McLaren has been announced by AFL Mackay last week as the 2015 head-coach of the 2015 Allied Pickford's Men's representative side.
McLaren will lead the men's team as they take on Townsville and Rockhampton in the 2015 Tri-Series representative matches at Harrup Park on Saturday 6th June.
AFL Queensland Regional Manager said that the appointment of McLaren is a massive boost to the region and leaves the Mackay men's team in good hands.
"Brad is our current Gold Coast SUNS Academy coach and has been since 2012 along with senior coach of the undefeated Eastern Swans," Neumann said.
"Brad is a good communicator and with his 16 year coaching experience, the Mackay men's side are in good hands," Neumann added.
Mackay will kick-start their day on Saturday at 3:00pm against Capricornia before taking on Townsville at 7:00pm. Matches are modified 2 x 20minute halves, with a full day of footy starting at 2:00pm at Harrup Park Country Club.
McLaren spoke to Mackay.AFLQ.com.au on his appointment and he was keen to return to the shield to Mackay in his fourth stint as representative coach.
"(I) started my coaching career with junior football in Melbourne in 1999 and moved into senior footy in 2001 with Lower Plenty in the Diamond Valley FL," McLaren said.
"In 2009 I moved to Mackay and started coaching at Bakers Creek Football Club before switching to the Eastern Swans in 2011," McLaren added.
The Level 2 accredited coach has many highlights including his role with the Gold Coast SUNS Academy.
"My highlights to date have been coaching the junior premiership in 2000, representative coach of the Mackay side three times and gaining my level 2 accreditation," Coach McLaren told Mackay.AFLQ.com.au
Adding to his already impressive list, McLaren has also represented the region on the coaching staff of the 2014 North Queensland men's representative side, Gold Coast SUNS Academy coach for the Mackay and Whitsunday Region (since 2012) along with coaching duties with the 2014 North Queensland Under 16 representative team and appointment as the Gold Coast SUNS Academy High performance coach this year.
With his involvement in numerous youth talent programs, McLaren is keen to play a handful of teenagers, to give them the experience of representative football at senior level.
"The final make up of our squad of 22 will be announced in the next 24-48hours and I'll be looking to play a few of our elite teenagers within the region," McLaren said.
"At this stage, every club will be represented in the tri-series," McLaren added.
Make sure you get down to Harrup Park Country Club this Saturday 6th June to cheer on the Mackay Men's team.
Stay tuned to www.Mackay.AFLQ.com.au for team announcements.
Last Modified on 09/06/2015 10:32