Retired Geelong legend Matthew Scarlett will co-coach South Barwon next season in the latest coup for the GFL powerhouse club.
Scarlett will share the coaching reins with returning club champion and former captain Warwick Knuckey
The Swans yesterday unveiled their new look coaching set-up after James Garvey informed the club he would be stepping down at seasons end from the role he has held for 3 years.
Garvey a six time Swans premiership player will continue to be involved in an off-field capacity but is yet to decide whether he will play on.
Current Co-coach Casey Tutungi who suffered quadriplegia as a result of an on field accident in June, will take a break from coaching to concentrate on his rehabilitation
Scarlett, who joined South Barwon as a player this year after 284 games at Geelong, got a taste for coaching in a part time mentoring role at the Western Bulldogs
The appointments continue South Barwons tradition of promoting leaders from within and marks Knuckey’s return to the club after he helped drive the resurgence of GDFL club Winchelsea this year
Knuckey has also been involved at Geelong as a runner
South Barwon President Richard Holz paid tribute to Garvey as a man who symbolised the culture of the club
“He will still be involved in an off field role, but believes it is best for the club to continue developing from within and creating opportunities for others by stepping aside” Holz said
Garvey said he had thoroughly enjoyed his three years as co-coach
“I’ve loved it. Obviously being involved in the club for a long time I’ve got a lot of great mates” he said
“I’ve had a great amount of help along the way, so its been a really enjoyable experience”
"I’ll stay involved in some way. I made the decision earlier in the year that I wasn’t going to go on next year”
“They put the feelers out and then everything was put on hold mid-year for obvious reasons, and then in the last few weeks we’ve landed on two perfect replacements”
South Barwon finished on top of the ladder and will enjoy this weekend off before playing the winner of todays Grovedale-Bell Park qualifying final.
The Swans are eyeing their seventh premiership in nine seasons
Last Modified on 03/09/2013 18:26
