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BENDIGO Thunder’s search for a new coach has ended with the appointment of dual Stanhope premiership player Luis Alvarez-Harris.
The former Rochester coach has joined the reigning Northern Football League Women’s premiers on a two-year deal.
He was introduced to the playing group at Weeroona Oval on Monday night.
Alvarez-Harris replaces Cherie O’Neill, who led the Thunder to a NFLW flag in 2017 and a second place finish in 2016 in the former Victorian Women’s Football League.
O’Neill did not seek reappointment.
Alvarez-Harris joins the Thunder with an accomplished playing and coaching resume.
He played in two senior premierships with Kyabram District league club Stanhope, where he was an assistant coach for three seasons, and also two reserves flags.
He coached Lockington-Bamawm United’s 17-and-under team to a grand final berth in 2012 and also had stints as an assistant coach at Heathcote league club Huntly and Bendigo league club Kangaroo Flat.
Alvarez-Harris’ appointment at the Thunder is his first time in charge of a senior women’s team, but has previously coached female footballers in his role at Rochester Secondary College.
He said he was looking forward to leading an obviously successful club, which won premierships at both senior and reserves levels last season.
“Obviously the club is in a pretty good position, so it’s a very exciting opportunity for me to get involved in women’s footy,” he said.
“The sport is taking off all over the place and the Thunder is doing a really good job.
“Hopefully I can add a few little bits and pieces and keep continuing the fantastic platform that has already been built by everyone before me.
“I’m certainly coming in to add and help out rather than starting all over again.”
The Thunder will resume training under their new coach early in the new year, with several new recruits already on-board.
