Ivanhoes’ season looks in very safest of hands
THEY are four familiar faces eager to put Ivanhoes on the right path in 2018, but one of them is extra special.
Stephen Chisholm, who will also co-coach the A-grade side with vice-president Noel Slade, is also the club’s new president, making him the first member to go into the top job having joined as a junior.
Chisholm said he was keen to ensure players could focus on football after a tough 2017 when the coach and executive quit mid-season.
“I thought I’d try to turn the club around and make it what it was,” he said.
“We’ve got a good base that’s been there for a long time. A few of them were playing when I was playing.
“As long as we keep them boys together with our younger crew coming through, we should be pretty right.”
Ethan Ross is the mainstay as Ivanhoes’ reserves coach, while Paul Dooley has taken the reins of the Colts squad for 2018. Ivanhoes life member Bruce Slade, who acted as interim president last season, said it was exciting to be able to stick to homegrown talent for the coaching roles.
“It is good to see that next generation of Stephen and Noel taking the reins of the club,” he said.
There’s also plenty to celebrate with the Slade family themselves after secretary Leah recently became the third generation to receive an Ivanhoes life membership.