Magpies sign George
FORMER North Ballarat VFL player Ayden George has been unveiled as North Geelong’s new senior coach.
George, who knows what it takes to win premierships at local level, believes the Magpies have a list capable of surging up the ladder after joining the GDFL club on a two-year deal as a playing coach.
The 33-year-old spent six seasons on the Roosters’ VFL list before a decorated career at local level that included a season with Torquay in 2016.
“The year at Torquay opened my mind to coaching, just by seeing Dom (Gleeson) go about it as a playing coach that season,” George said.
“Obviously having the right support network behind you allows you to do it.
“I’m excited to take this opportunity and I already think we have a list which is capable of turning around very quickly as well.”
North Geelong’s run of five straight finals appearances came to an end this season, with the Magpies only collecting six wins to finish eighth.
George will work with a youthful list sprinkled with the club’s remaining 2013 premiership players, including Luke Parker, Brent Schwennesen and Steve Richert.
“The first year will be a lot of learning, working out our new game style and where our deficiencies are,” George said.
“We’ll still aim to get the best results in 2019, but you can’t expect to get those results straight away, so I think a two-year deal is both ben- eficial for what I and the club want to do.
“After speaking to a few good football people this past week, I’ve already learnt that it’s a pretty good football club with a real proud history.
“I’ve got huge support at home as well and that makes the decision a bit easier.
“But it’s also that I’m still involved in the game, if I was to sit out for a couple years and maybe look at it again then I may not be as sharp then as what I am now.”
George brings a wealth of experience at various levels.
Injuries deprived the mid- fielder of a VFL premiership as a player at North Ballarat in 2008 and 2009.
But from that point he tasted premiership success at country level several times.
George played a pivotal role in North Ballarat City’s most recent premierships (2013-14) before losing to Darley in 2015.
He then enjoyed the ultimate success with Maryborough Castlemaine DFL side Carisbrook, commuting from Geelong each week.
George takes over from premiership coach Darren Ryan, who stepped down.