Campbell to lead Eagles
Echuca United Football Netball Club is hoping to climb up the ladder next year with the appointment of Guy Campbell as senior coach for the 2017 Murray Football League season.
Campbell, 34, brings a wealth of experience to the Eagles having played at VFL and AFL levels.
He was introduced to the players at training last night and will take over the role from Dean Moon as soon as Echuca United’s 2016 season comes to an end.
Campbell played his junior footy at the club and last played for the side in 2015.
He spent last year out of footy and was approached by the Echuca United committee about the coaching role.
‘‘Prior to them approaching me, I hadn’t given it a great deal of thought,’’ Campbell said.
‘‘It had been in the back of my mind during my footy career, to the mid and latter part of my career as to whether I’d ever coach football.’’
He said the thought of being a playing coach wasn’t appealing to him and the year away from football had sparked his interest to become involved again.
‘‘Everything about the club and what footy brings, with the juniors and families and the challenges that lie in among all that,’’ Campbell said of the reason for him taking the job.
‘‘Knowing the background of this club, having been in and out of it over the years, it has always been a very loving and welcoming club.’’
He said the timing was right for him to put in the effort and meet the challenges a senior coaching role could bring.
Campbell played junior football at Echuca United before progressing to the Bendigo Pioneers and then spent four years with Bendigo’s VFL side.
He played at the Sydney Swans (which included a reserves premiership), was a member of Echuca’s 2002 Goulburn Valley Football League f lag and was also part of Echuca United’s 2013 premiership team.
He also played with Rochester for four seasons.
Echuca United is sitting 11th on the Murray Football League ladder with just two wins to its name in an injuryravaged season.
The Eagles have a bye today and then meets Nathalia (home) and Numurkah (away) before finishing with a home game against Cobram on August 20.