STRATHFIELDSAYE has locked in its football coaching structure for next season, with the only change Shannon Geary taking over the reserves.
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Geary – a three-time senior premiership captain with Strathfieldsaye – takes on the reserves position from Brett Fitzpatrick, who will move into a coaching and development role with the Storm.
Troy Coates has been reappointed for a second season as senior coach, while Bart Leahy will continue as under-18 coach for a ninth season.
Leahy has coached the Storm to the past three BFNL under-18 premierships.
Coates led the Storm to a top-of-the-ladder finish in the home and away season with a 16-2 record. They will kick off their finals campaign on Saturday night against Eaglehawk at the QEO in the second semi-final.
“We had big expectations based on what we knew about Troy prior to him starting in the role and he has certainly met those expectations,” Strathfieldsaye president Mick Farrell said on Thursday.
“His enthusiasm and professionalism is something that stood out early, but it’s his commitment to the progression and development of the club as a whole that has really shone out as the year has gone on.”
Coates took on the coaching reins at the Storm this year having previously guided Kerang to four Central Murray league flags.
“We see this stability as being very important to the continued development of the playing group and the club, so the intention was always that Troy’s appointment would be long term,” Farrell said.
“Naturally, we’re thrilled to have his re-appointment finalised so he and the group can concentrate on finals.”
As well as confirming its coaching roles for 2019, the Storm have also announced the re-signing of leadership group members in captain Kallen Geary and vice-captains Lachlan Sharp, Sam Heavyside and Jake Moorhead.
Having won all three football premierships last year, the Storm has all three sides with a chance of going straight through to grand finals this weekend.
As well as the seniors, the Storm’s reserves and under-18 sides will also play in second semi-finals at the QEO.
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