Border News – Coach News
BILLABONG Crows have moved to consolidate their future by reappointing coach Al Austin for a third season.
Austin guided the Crows to four wins this year with club president Kevin Martin saying the side had improved dramatically.
“He’s doing a fantastic job,” Martin said.
“Al’s got the respect of the side and most of the players have committed already for next year.
“With a few recruits, I think we can improve further.”
The Crows jumped from the wooden spoon to 10th this year with best and fairest Michael O’Riordan among the players to commit for 2019.
Austin’s re-appointment leaves Jindera, Murray Magpies, Lockhart, Osborne and CDHBU as the only clubs yet to announce their coaches for next season.
The league starts its finals series this weekend with Holbrook taking on Culcairn on Saturday and Osborne meeting Jindera in a replay of last year’s grand final on Sunday.
JEREMY Stevenson and Mick Collins have stood down as co-coaches of CDHBU.
Stevenson and Collins will remain at the club as players.
“It’s been good fun but ‘Jezza’ and I just think some new blood and ideas will be beneficial to the club,” Collins said.
“There were a lot of positives this year and we aren’t that far off the pace.
“Hopefully we can keep the list together.”
CDHBU defied a tumultuous off-season to win six matches before injuries hit the club hard in the final rounds of the home and away series.
In Hume league club best and fairests, Tim Hallinan took out Culcairn’s top honour with 119 votes.
The midfielder finished ahead of Jye Shields (101), Dane Hallinan (96), Ben Gould (64) and Adam Eady (59).
Georgia Pitson won the A-grade netball from Meg Smith.
Defender Michael O’Riordan won Billabong Crows’ best and fairest from teammates Tim Austin and George Sandral.
Gun defender Holly Dowling was victorious in the A-grade from coach Beck O’Connell.
Azzi medal favourite Steve Jolliffe emerged triumphant at Howlong from ruckman Peter Hancock.
