NICK Carter says he will be well equipped for his role as Heathcote District inter-league coach this year following his experience with the team last year.
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Carter’s official title with the inter-league team last year was assistant to head coach Dean Laidley.
However, on game-day against Central Murray at the QEO Carter coached the team until the 17-minute mark of the third quarter following the late arrival of Laidley due to his club coaching commitments earler in the day with Camberwell Grammar.
Heathcote District lost that game against Central Murray by 43 points, with this year’s opponent to be Geelong District.
“I really enjoyed my time last year. The Heathcote District league wasn’t something I had been that close to previously,” Carter said on Wednesday.
“I was fortunate to get invited in by Peter Cole last year and work with Dean Laidley and get an understanding of the culture of the league.
“We weren’t quite good enough to win the game, but I had a ball and the positives that I can gather is the players enjoyed the experience.
“Hopefully, the energy from the clubs and players can continue this year and we have a good showing down in Geelong.”
RELATED – 2018 HEATHCOTE DISTRICT LEAGUE FIXTURE
The inter-league clash against the Geelong District league will be played on Saturday, May 19.
It will be the third time in the past nine seasons the two leagues have played each other.
Geelong District won by 39 points in 2010 and Heathcote District won by 28 points in 2012.
“Knowing a few of the coaches in the league now, I will be able to get around and speak to them about their lists,” said Carter, who is a dual premiership coach with Golden Square.
“I’ve seen the massive benefits inter-league can have on players and what it can do in terms of propelling their footy season and hopefully, that can happen again this year.”
This year’s HDFNL season will be the first to get under way in the AFL Central Victoria region when round one is played on Saturday, April 7.