Author: David Marsh
Macquarie University Australian Football Club is proud to announce that Damien Phillips has accepted the role of Club Coach for 2012. Phillips will take the reins of Macquarie’s first grade side that plays in Division 1 of the Sydney AFL competition. As part of the role, Phillips will also take on the responsibility of leading the 18-strong coaching staff at Macquarie as they embark on the 2012 season.
Phillips comes to the club following a short break from the coaching circuit but brings with him a wealth of experience in football and football operations. Following a long playing career in which he played with five clubs including under 19 football for Fitzroy, Collegians in the VAFA, Dandenong in the VFA, North Brisbane in the QAFL and Balmain in the SFL, Phillips took to coaching and was the assistant coach at Balmain in 1997 when they won the premiership. He then spent two years coaching senior football at Collegians in 2005 & 2006.
Phillips also spent two years in the Assistant Coaching role of the NSW/ACT Rams whilst working with AFL NSW/ACT as a Development Manager.
Phillips continued to acquire a strong football administration background during his career having been CEO at West Adelaide Football Club in the SANFL and Chief Executive of the Western Region Football League in Melbourne.
The process of appointing the club coach for 2012 was not one taken lightly by the MUAFC committee. The interview process took a little over three months in which a number of candidates presented to our Coaching Selection Panel which was introduced to provide a breadth of opinion towards selecting the successful candidate.
President Luke Gemmill stood proud as he made the announcement to the club committee after training on Thursday night. Gemmill said, “With a passion for football, Damien is the perfect fit for our club as we embark on our journey to become a professionally drilled side both on and off the field in 2012”.
Phillips has also expressed his delight in joining the Warriors in 2012 saying, “It’s a great opportunity to take hold of the Warriors this year. Having spoken on a few occasions with Luke and the committee I am excited about the direction in which the club is headed and can’t wait to help play my part in the journey”.
Phillips will be joined by Andrew Moylan and Andre Sliwka who have been appointed as Assistant Coaches in Division 1, whilst life member Peter McMurrich has been reappointed as Team Manager for 2012.
The club will finalize its coaching structure when it confirms the coaching positions for the Under 18 “Kookas” side, and the Women’s Assistant Coach in the coming weeks.
Macquarie University has seven teams in the Sydney AFL competition, including four senior men’s teams, two U18’s sides and a Women’s team. Training is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at University Oval, North Ryde and new players are always welcomed.
For more information, visit www.muafc.com.au or find us on Facebook.
Last Modified on 17/04/2012 16:58