DEVELOPING youth will be the focal point for newly signed South Cairns Cutters coach Grant Russell as he takes the reins of the AFL Cairns club for season 2012.
The 55-year-old succeeds Chris Adams, after the club took the unusual step of advertising for the first-year coach’s position weeks before the season ended.
After enduring an improved, yet frustrating season – blemished by a number of narrow losses – Russell admitted there was some work to do on solving "game plan" and "footy smarts" issues which contributed to the club not winning more than four games last season.
He conceded there would be very little action to lure new recruits to the Cutters, insisting he will focus on nurturing the talented younger generation of players.
"My goal is to develop the club and get the kids coming through," he said.
Russell comes to the Cutters with a wealth of experience – headlined by seven premierships in 24 years as a coach, which included stints in the South Australian Amateur Football League and the Riverland and Western Border leagues.
Last season, Russell lifted Hamilton from the bottom of the ladder to sixth position, before informing the club he would not seek reappointment. He also played a handful of games with SANFL club North Adelaide.
The incoming mentor has reviewed DVDs of the Cutters performances last season, and met players on Monday night.
He will return next month to map out a training strategy and settle into life in Cairns.
Russell admitted he approached the club to put forward his interest in the coaching role after he recognised the challenge involved with resurrecting the Cutters.
"I was inquisitive (about the role), and for me it’s a challenge," he said.
"I’m at the stage in my life where I only want to do things that challenge me."
In his first inspection of the club, Russell said he was impressed by the facilities at the Cutters.
Courtest of The Cairns Post
Last Modified on 12/04/2012 09:33