By Michelle Cook

JOHN Hill is back at the helm for Orange Hawks.

It’s nothing new for Hill who was the club’s president in 2009 and has been with the club since 1976, when they were then Ex-Services.

The 56-year-old was Hawks’ senior vice-president for the 2012 Group 10 season and was happy to step up to the top job.

“I enjoy doing it. I’ve been there for 100 years,” Hill laughed.

Anthony Redfern was in charge during the 2012 season but opted not to stand for re-election.

Hill said Redfern would remain involved in the club and commended him for the excellent job he did while in the position.

Hill will be in charge of a youthful Hawks for the 2013 season.

He will be joined by Jake Hurford (senior vice-president), Jason Greenhalgh (junior vice-president), Hayley Sturgeon (secretary) and Tenielle Hill (treasurer).

There will also be some experienced heads on the club’s committee including Graham Hurford, Noel Hurford and Darrel Rosser.

“We’ve got good people with good ideas,” Hill said.

The next priority for Hawks is securing a premier league captain-coach for the 2013 season.

James Wynne led the side this year but will not take up the position again in 2013 due to work and family commitments.

“We’ve got quite a few feelers out and a few things in the pipeline,” Hill said of the captain-coach position.

“Hopefully by the end of the month or early November we’ll be able to announce our first grade captain-coach.

“We’ve pretty well re-signed the majority of our players for next year. We’re hoping to have it all organised before Christmas.

“I’m looking forward to next season.”

Hill confirmed the club would field a women’s league tag side again next year after the ladies made the semi-finals this season.

“They’ll definitely be there,” Hill said.

Hill said the executive and the committee would continue to improve the club on and off the field.

“We want to make it a nice friendly atmosphere at the club,” he said.