2016 RECAP – HDFNL TORN APART LATE BY BELLARINE
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HEATHCOTE District has pulled off an inter-league coaching coup by securing Dean Laidley to lead this year’s representative team.
Laidley – the former North Melbourne coach – will lead the HDFNL in its AFL Victoria Community Championships clash against Central Murray in May.
The coaching appointment has been orchestrated by new HDFNL board member Peter Cole and confirmed by league chairman Leo Demeo on Friday after it was ratified by the board.
“It’s a coup for the league with Dean to be the head coach of our inter-league team this year,” Demeo said.
“Peter (Cole) has set this up. He knows Dean a bit, so he’s certainly got a big tick to start with.
“Dean is very keen and, hopefully, we can get most of our senior players on board to play for him against Central Murray.
“It’s very exciting news for the league.”
The inter-league coaching panel will also include former Golden Square coach Nick Carter, who coached the Bulldogs to two Bendigo league flags, as an assistant to Laidley.
Laidley coached North Melbourne in 149 games between 2003 and 2009 for a 72-75-2 record.
The 49-year-old has also held assistant roles at Port Adelaide, St Kilda and Carlton.
Laidley takes over as Heathcote District coach from Rick Coburn.
Heathcote District and Central Murray will meet in the 19 v 20 ranking game of the Community Championships on Saturday, May 13.
Heathcote District will host the game, with the league keen to have discussions with the Bendigo league, which will host Ballarat, about playing a double-header at the QEO.