As many as three AFL Cairns clubs will enter the off-season searching for a new coach to lead them in to 2020.
Three AFL Cairns clubs will enter the off-season searching for a new coach to lead them in to 2020.
North Cairns, Manunda and potentially Cairns Saints will start the new campaign under the vision of a new mentor after changes following the 2019 season.
First-year playing-coach Jack Philp has told Saints officials he may not be able to commit to coaching next season, and for the club to advertise the position. If a suitable candidate is not found, Philp, who took over at the end of the 2018 season, would be an option to return for a second year at Griffiths Park but club officials have started their search for a potential new coach for the proud club.
At Cazalys Stadium, Hawks president Dr Garry Hartrick believes his club has huge shoes to fill with experienced coach Marc Harbrow opting not to continue in the 2020 season.
A respected former player, Harbrow led the club to a grand final two seasons ago but has decided to step away from the top job.
“We are looking for a coach with experience that can work with youth, as you look at our playing list and that is what we have, plenty of talented young kids,” Hartrick said.
“There is no doubt at all that Marc’s shoes will be big ones to fill as he has done an excellent job.
“It is not all about footy, it is about teaching kids about life and choices, which is what Marc does for his job as well.”
The Hawks have begun to advertise for their second senior coach since they were booted from the competition in 2015.
Peter German has been appointed North Cairns Tigers’ Football Manager. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE
Elsewhere, new North Cairns football manager Peter German has officially started work this week as he searches for the Tigers’ next senior coach.
The wooden spooners from 2018 have started advertising, with German set to extend his feelers to Victoria and beyond with an aim of finding their new mentor.
“We have begun advertising and we are hopeful of having something organised over the next few weeks,” German said.
AFL CAIRNS CLUB COACHES FOR ‘20
South Cairns: John Tootell
Port Douglas: Brad Cooper
North Cairns: Undecided
Centrals Trinity Beach: Wayne Sharkie
Manunda: Undecided
Pyramid Power (reserves): Undecided
Cairns Saints: Undecided
Cairns City Lions: Aaron Davey
Jordan Gerrans, jordan.gerrans@news.com.au, The Cairns Post
