IN MICK OF TIME

GALVIN’S RETIREMENT SHORT-LIVED AS HE RETURNS TO LONGWOOD AS COACH FOR THIRD SEASON

Longwood Football Netball Club’s final piece of the upcoming Kyabram District League season jigsaw has been secured.

After a brief period without a senior football coach, Longwood has welcomed back former mentor Mick Galvin after he stepped down in November due to family reasons.

Longwood made the announcement of Galvin’s return over the Christmas break.

Longwood president Ricki Shiner said the club was rapt to welcome Galvin back and explained the reason for his departure late last year.

“Galvo stepped down in November due to his father becoming quite ill. He felt he couldn’t commit 100 per cent to the role,” Shiner said.

“Sadly, his father lost his battle not long after.

“It was and still is a really tough time for him, but he loves coaching and he felt it was the right thing to get back doing. Coaching is one of his passions.

“He’s very popular at the club, all the players and supporters love the way he goes about it.

“We are very happy to welcome Galvo and his family back to the club.”

The upcoming season will be Galvin’s third year in the role.

And joining him in the coaches’ box this campaign is former player and experienced leader Paul Rose.

A former assistant coach at the Army Kangaroos and ADFA Rams, Rose will slot in as senior assistant at the Redlegs.

Rose has also been involved with Queanbeyan in AFL Canberra and the Canberra Demons in NEAFL.

“The club’s really excited to welcome Paul back. His experience will be important to us,” Shiner said.

“He played with us back in 2010, when we had a strong link to Puckapunyal, and we have kept in touch ever since.

“That’s the sort of club Longy is, you never really leave, you’re always welcomed back.”

Longwood has also secured the services of multiple recruits ahead of round one in April.

Brothers Josh and Ryan Cumberland, Trey Frazer, Tom Rennie, Shaun Bridges, Dylan Quattrocchi and Mitch Van De Duim will pull on the Redlegs’ jumper this year.

“It’s a really good sign to have these young guys come to the club,” Shiner said.

“They all enjoy and understand the message Galvo is spreading and I know that he can’t wait to work with them all.”

● Longwood returns to the training track this Sunday at Redlegs Stadium. Football and netball training for all ages will be on offer from 11am.