The Doveton Eagles Football Club are very pleased to announce the appointment of Clint "Bull" Wilson as its senior coach for the 2018 season.
Wilson is well known and highly respected at the Eagles, having played a key role in the club's 2013 premiership before taking over as playing coach in 2014. The leadership and experience he brings to the role will no doubt hold the club in good stead as it looks to make an impact in Division 2 in 2018.
Wilson takes over the reins from Simon Caldwell, who steered the side to a remarkable premiership victory from fourth last season. Caldwell will remain involved at the Eagles in 2018, moving into the role of Football Manager.
Joining Wilson on the coaching panel as a playing assistant is highly talented mid/forward Ryan Hendy. Hendy has an impressive resume including a club best and fairest and several seasons as leading goal scorer with the Doveton Doves. Add to that Ryan’s coaching experience as an assistant at ROC Football Club and a senior coach at Garfield and it is clear that he is going to be a huge addition to the Eagles nest in 2018.
The coaching panel is rounded out with the addition of two non-playing assistants, both past Eagles premiership players in Nathan Wilson and Mark Mott. Wilson returns to the club after coaching the Doves' U19 side last year, while the highly regarded Mott's experience and quality will no doubt be a great asset in the coming season.
Max Croaker will also continue as Reserves Coach after doing a great job in 2017.
From a player perspective, gun forward Russell Robertson will continue his involvement with the Eagles having recommitted for 2018. Work commitments prevented the ex-Melbourne high-flier from taking up a role on the new coaching panel, but he will certainly be a valuable contributor on the field again next season.
The club has also secured the signature of star midfielder Nick Battle, an addition that will significantly bolster the Eagles' playing stocks next season. The 22-year-old has previously played with VFL sides Frankston and Casey, and his impressive form for the Doves this year earned him Interleague representation and selection on a wing in the SEFNL Team of the Year. Battle is also the older brother of young St Kilda key forward Josh Battle.
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Newly appointed Eagles coach Clint Wilson (left) and playing assistant Ryan Hendy.[/caption]
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President Shane McGrath with new Eagle Nick Battle (right).[/caption]
