The Bendigo Football Club has taken a very positive step towards the 2013 season by signing former St Kilda star player, Austinn Jones, as its Head Coach for next season.
“We’re absolutely delighted to get Austinn on board because he’ll bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Head Coach’s role,” Executive Director Peter Lodewijks, said in Bendigo today.
“As part of our selection process, we set some very high standards and defined some very clear objectives in relation to this position and its relationship to the direction in which the Club is heading.
“Throughout the process and especially at interview, Austinn demonstrated a very clear understanding of the requirements of the Club’s future stand-alone role, and also a ‘big-picture’ approach in conjunction with a need for meticulous planning.
“He’s especially well-versed in the development and encouragement of young players which is a major factor in our Club’s progressive outlook and achieving its future objectives.
“St Kilda had four coaches during his career so he’s learnt from each of them and developed his own coaching methods accordingly.
“Obviously, the appointment of a new coach for 2013 is an integral part of our strategic planning and Austinn will have a significant role in taking the club forward from this point onwards.
“Ongoing development of the Club’s brand and profile will rely heavily on a co-ordinated and effective blend of coaching, player development and community activities and the Head Coach’s role will be absolutely essential in that regard.”
“Austinn has a very strong understanding of all the elements of his role and he recognises and understands the value, especially in terms of player development, a committed Bendigo-based VFL coach can bring to the whole local football scene including the Bendigo Pioneers and, more broadly, schools and junior football.
“He and his family will be relocating to Bendigo as soon as possible which clearly demonstrates his commitment to the Club, and also his willingness to become involved with the local community as a whole.”
Prior to starting his AFL career in 1994 as selection number 48 in the national draft, Austinn played for the Southern Stingrays TAC Cup team, winning their best and fairest award in his draft year and then making his senior debut in 1995 at the age of 19 – a year in which he was also nominated for the AFL’s Rising Star Award.
He went on to play 226 games for St Kilda predominantly as a wingman and half-back flanker, although he also kicked 127 goals until his retirement from AFL football in 2005.
After representing Victoria in 1997, Austinn gained All-Australian selection in the same year and again in 2004.
Following his retirement, he coached Casey Cardinia Football League club Narre Warren to back-to-back premierships in 2006 and 2007 and was the Head Coach of the Gippsland Power TAC Cup team in 2008.
“Apart from his strong football credentials, Austinn’s role as an AFL analyst and commentator for ABC Radio has provided him with a wealth of experience in dealing with the media and in public relations,” Lodewijks said.
“That’s an essential attribute for a modern-day VFL coach and it’s a major element of the overall level of professionalism Austinn demonstrated to us.”
Last Modified on 04/06/2012 11:48