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WHITE Hills president Ian Deane says the club’s expectations when they begun their hunt for a new senior coach have been far exceeded by the appointment of Sam Kerridge.
The Demons unveiled Kerridge on Tuesday as their new coach in a move that has already created a buzz at Scott Street.
Kerridge joins the Demons in a massive coup straight from Carlton and has become the second former AFL player in recent weeks to join the Heathcote District league after Colbinabbin signed ex-Richmond forward Daniel Connors.
“It’s beyond our expectations to have appointed Sam. When Brent (Millar) stood down the club realised we needed a playing coach to provide, more than anything else, on-field leadership,” Deane said on Thursday.
“We missed out on a couple of playing coaches locally and after he was de-listed from Carlton Sam’s name came up among a few of the boys who knew him well.
READ MORE – Kerridge, Dickson drafted by AFL clubs
“We’re obviously rapt to have him with us. He brings with him a wealth of experience and his appointment has already created plenty of excitement among the playing group, as well as the juniors to have the chance to be involved with a player who has just come straight out of the AFL system.”
Originally from Mildura, Kerridge was drafted by the Adelaide Crows from the Bendigo Pioneers with pick No.27 at the 2011 National Draft.
He played 27 games with Adelaide and 42 for Carlton for a career tally of 69 during seven years in the AFL system.
READ MORE – Heathcote District league 2018 season review
The 25-year-old takes over a young White Hills team that this year finished seventh with a 3-13 record.
Kerridge is one of four new coaches appointed for the 2019 HDFNL season, which is earmarked to start April 13.
• HDFNL coaches in 2019:
Colbinabbin – Julian Bull.
Elmore – Danny Brewster.
Heathcote – Wayne Primmer.
Huntly – Denis Grinton.
Leitchville-Gunbower – Danny Teskera.
LBU – Kahl Oliver.
Mount Pleasant – Darren Walsh.
North Bendigo – Matt Dillon.
White Hills – Sam Kerridge.
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