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HE may have taken a year off coaching, but Rob Bennett’s competitive nature hasn’t waned and he’s ready to embrace his next challenge.
The dual North Bendigo premiership coach will now strive to elevate Kangaroo Flat back up the BFNL ladder as the Roos’ new senior coach.
Bennett previously spent four seasons as coach of North Bendigo in the Heathcote District league between 2014 and 2017 before stepping down after last season.
He made the grand final each season, had a win-loss record of 66-11 and won back-to-back premierships in 2015-16.
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“I was still fairly hands-on at North Bendigo this year, but I’m a competitive person and I have missed that,” Bennett said on Thursday.
“I’d spoken with the people close to me during the year that if any coaching positions were offered and took my interest it was something I’d definitely look at.
“The way in which the committee and football department at Kangaroo Flat presented was really professional and structured and I know I can go in and just focus on coaching.
“The club has a strong junior structure and the amount of under-18 players who have already had a chance to play senior football is also really exciting.”
Bennett takes over from co-coaches Shawn Filo and Corey Greer, who were at the helm for two years, with the side finishing eighth with a 4-14 record in both seasons.
Having coached a flag contender throughout his four seasons at the Bulldogs, Bennett says he’s looking forward to the chance to take over a young list at a club that hasn’t played finals since 2009 or won a senior flag since 1996.
“That appeals as well. Coaching is all about improving individuals and improving a team and that’s obviously what I’ll be aiming to do at Kangaroo Flat,” Bennett said.
The Roos will be hoping Bennett can provide some coaching stability at Dower Park given the club has had 10 coaches since 2002.
“I’m not expecting a dramatic improvement straight away, but we’ll be looking to take some steps forward,” Bennett said.
“There’s a lot of good young players there and if we can get some recruits around them I don’t see why we can’t start to see improvement from next year.”
Bennett says he expects to announce a playing assistant coach in coming weeks.
“Rob has a track record of developing successful playing lists and is keen to get Kangaroo Flat on track for the long-term success we all desire,” Roos’ president Scott Mitchell said.
“These qualities and aspects with Rob’s coaching repertoire were extremely important towards his appointment.”
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