Following the resignation of long time Senior Coach Paul Grentell last week the Tradelink Western Magpies are proud to announce the appointment of Jarrod Thorpe as Senior Coach for the remainder of the 2010 and 2011 QAFL Seasons.
41 Year old Thorpe had been an assistant coach at Mt Gravatt for the 2010 Season thus far and has had previous coaching experience as Assistant/Co Coach at Maribrynong Park and Healesville in Victoria.
Thorpe has a strong football pedigree as his father David Thorpe played 151 games with Footscray FC from 1966 to 1973 & 51 games for Richmond FC and was a member of their 1974 premiership team..
Jarrod Thorpe’s playing career started as a Tasmanian Teal Cup representative in 1985 and 86 following which he followed in his dads footsteps to Footscray in 1987 and 1988 where he played in 35 reserves games. Following that he spent two years at Norwood in the SANFL and two years at Perth FC in the WAFL before heading back to Tasmania in 1985 with North Launceston (TFL). He then rounded out his playing career at Healesville and Maribrynong Park where he began his coaching.
Thorpe has played under current Collingwood Coach Michael Malthouse when at Footscray and lists Neil Balme as his most influential coach in his coaching style who he played under at Norwood.
Western Magpies AFC Club Development Manager Anthony McDonald, said “We are pleased to appoint Jarrod as our Senior Coach for the remainder of 2010 and 2011.
Although Jarrod has never held a Senior position we are happy to provide an up and coming coach with a Senior opportunity and we believe he will be a great fit for our club and a fresh start for our players”
Jarrod Thorpe said “I have been given a tremendous opportunity by the Western Magpies to coach the senior team. It will be a journey of change which I am sure will have its challenges. However, I am excited about the commitment and desire of this playing group to turn up each week and give 100%.
My appointment gives me the opportunity to further develop the club and maximize the enormous junior representation that the club has. Without doubt the junior development of this club and the kids coming through the under 18’s will be the key to the long term success that this club deserves and will have in the QAFL .
At the end of the day it is about respect both on and off the field that we will be striving for “.
Last Modified on 25/05/2010 09:55