The Saints who have battled in recent Seasons and won just 2 matches in 2010 have opted for the panel type arrangement after negotiations had broken down with a number of potential Coaches.
Home grown products Mark Ciurleo, Bruce Hando and Daniel Needs will combine as the Saints attempt to climb their way back up the North Central Football League ladder.
Asked how the Coaching arrangement come together Ciurleo said ‘’ The three of us are all locals and played over 200 games for the Club .We thought it was a great opportunity to get hold of the list, and help build a side that will be competitive in years to come’’
‘’ We then went through a process and here we are!’’
The group sold the unique arrangement to the Club believing there are numerous benefits in spreading the work load ‘’With three of us, it gives more opportunity for 1 on 1 coaching, and also gives players a better opportunity to connect with their Coaches. With all three of us playing it gives us the opportunity to lead the team on the field as well’’.
The hard work of building an improved list to compete with the powerbrokers of the North Central Football League is just about to kick in.
Cuirleo who has been a lion hearted performer for the Club over the years said there would be somewhat of a local theme in their recruiting efforts ‘’ We aim to get as many St.Arnaud people back playing at St.Arnaud, the way it used to be and the way it should be, retain our current crop and recruit some others to top up with’’.
He wasn’t using the Club’s recent struggles as an excuse when setting goals towards the approaching seasoneither ‘’we’re looking at finals football, aren’t we all?’’ was his blunt assessment.
The appointment would appear to have plenty of merit especially given the three have been long time servants of the Club who have an obvious passion towards the fortunes of the Club.
A bit of Background Info for those who don't know these blokes
BRUCE HANDO
*Played his first Senior Game in 1989, as a 16 year old. It was against Watchem. Bruce sat on the pine in the first half, came on at Half time, sat in the forward pocket and kicked a lazy 7 in the 2nd half.
*1990 he played a full year of seniors
He was then Drafted to North Melbourne from St Arnaud in 1991, Pick 50.
*He completed a Pre-Season with the Roos before playing with no defunct BFL Club Kennington in 1992.
*Came back to St Arnaud in 1993, and stayed until the end of the 1996 season.
*Went to Golden Square in 1997, Runners up
*Back to St Arnaud in 1998, won the Flag, and Goal Kicking with 119 majors
*Back to Golden Square in 99 injured his knee in Round 1, missed the Season came back and returned back to the Saints.
*Had a stint with LVFL Club Inglewood in 2002 and in total has played 203 senior games for the St Arnaud Football Club
*Coached the U16’s to a flag in 2010
DANIEL NEEDS
*Daniel Played his first game as a 16 year old, got in the sides Best on Debut
*Won Des Darcy Medal in 1998 Premiership, as Best on Ground in the Grand Final
*Played in the Premiership in 1999 which signalled Back to Back flags for the Club.
*Best and Fairest winner in the Seasons of 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008
* Also achieved Runners Up honours on 3 occasions.
*Was named a member of the St.A.F.C Team of The Century after just 64 very Impressive games, at 20 years of age.
Keith Chalmers Memorial, for Runner up League Best and Fairest 2004
6x club goalkicking,
* NCFL Interleague representative on 8 occasions, CHF/Ruck
* Has played 247 Senior Games
* Captain of the Club for 4 Seasons (02, 03, 09,10)
*1 club player.
Last Modified on 23/11/2010 21:56