THE Bendigo Pioneers will have a new coach in 2020 after Rick Coburn's appointment to an AFL role.
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Coburn, who is currently in his third season as Pioneers head coach, has been appointed the AFL's state coaching manager in a position he will start on July 29.
"I'll be looking after all the coaching across the state, including the NAB League boys and community coaching in what's mainly a strategic role," Coburn said on Wednesday.
"It's essentially helping coaches and coach educators to implement our national coaching strategy.
"I'm looking forward to the new role... you can't coach forever, but if I can be involved in helping to assist coaches, that's where my passion is headed these days."
The Pioneers have another three games in their NAB League season against Tasmania (this Sunday), Calder (July 21) and Northern (July 27) before Coburn begins in his new role.
They then have at least another three games remaining post July 29 with two home and away matches, plus the wildcard weekend.
"We're excited for Rick and the opportunity that is presented to him; it's testament to the great work he has done with our program, as well as coach education in his previous role," Pioneers regional manager Steve Sharp said.
"It's a great opportunity for Rick, but also a great opportunity now for someone with an interest in our head coach role for next year.
"As far as going forward for the rest of this year, we'll work out what the remainder of the season looks like from a coaching perspective in terms of what's best for the program."
Asked how his new role would affect his Pioneers coaching position, Coburn said: "I'll continue on in the role and be able to do both for a little while. As soon as the application process is closed for the Pioneers, depending on how fast that happens, there will then be a transition."
Coburn became the first former Bendigo Pioneers' player to be appointed coach of the club in December of 2016.
Previous to his appointment Coburn spent three-and-a-half-years as an AFL Central Victoria football development manager.
Meanwhile, Western Australia has won its first AFL Under-18 National Championships title in 10 years after beating Vic Country 7.9 (51) to 6.10 (46) in a thriller.
Pioneer Brodie Kemp kicked two of Vic Country's six goals to go with 17 disposals at Marvel Stadium in Wednesday's decider.
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