Stingray favourite son back as coach

CORIO Bay has appointed Geelong Supercats great Paul Hutchison its Big V State Championship men’s coach for 2018.

The 400-game Supercat produced a decorated playing career across both Geelong and Corio Bay, which included a Big V championship with the Stingrays in 2001 and a national SEABL championship with the Supercats in 2006.

Hutchison was also part of the Stingrays’ 2013 State Championship victory, in a team that included Ma’alo Hicks, Jason Reardon and Michael Rebula.

Rebula has re-signed with the Stingrays in a boost for the incoming coach, whose focus will revolve around building a strong local list.

“I think we’ve got to be realistic, where the club was at last season and the loss of some big players, but they’ve still got some great young talent there in Michael Rebula, Joel McFall and Chris Eichler,” Hutchison said.

“To have those guys committed to the club at this stage is a good start. We will be bringing in at least one import; we’ll get our local contingent right and then see what we need.”

Hutchison said the opportunity to welcome Reardon back into the fold had not eventuated yet, after the star player exited the Stingrays during their last campaign. He said he believed Reardon had signed with Waverley.

Local tryouts will be announced soon and Hutchison hopes to uncover some hidden talent. The 42-year-old said he looked forward to the challenge.

“I enjoyed my time down at Corio Bay when I was down there — I was lucky enough to win a championship when I was with them (in 2012) — so I was always going to go into coaching,” he said.

“It was just going to be a matter of when and how and the opportunity has come about at Corio Bay.

“We’re hopefully looking to push for a finals spot, but realistically if we can have some improvement and get a nice core group that hopefully will stay together for several years, that’s the first step.”