Pavey to power the Rangers’ resurgence

COMMITTED Marlin Coast men will spearhead the club’s resurgence in the FNQ Premier League, with Alistair Pavey set to lead a staff of rusted-on Rangers in 2022.

Marlin Coast has struggled in the Premier League for the past two seasons.

Since reaching the 2019 grand final, Marlin Coast has gone through several coaches, battled player unavailability and limped its way to just one win in two campaigns and two wooden spoons.

After six years at the club, which includes stints coaching the Rangers’ reserve grade, second and third division teams, Pavey will step up to coach in the Premier League.

Pavey, who has slotted in as caretaker Premier League coach on numerous occasions, will lead the way.

Fellow long-term Marlin Coast clubman Jeffrey Lassche will be a playing assistant.

The coach said a lot of work had been done behind the scenes to build up the player ranks, and he was confident the club could turn the corner as he sought to bring more players into the Premier League fold.

“We have a lot of players who have the ability but have lost their focus and just played in Friday night comp,” Pavey said. “The club needs them in the Premier League.”

Pavey said it was the right time to step up.

“I’ve got to the stage where I’ve been around the club for years, and done everything I can to help,” Pavey said.

“There comes a time to step out of the shadows and lead.”

Lassche has coached the club’s youth side to success in recent years, making grand finals and the Crad Evans.

“Dutchie’s been around for along time - he’s an old head on a young man’s shoulders,” Pavey said. “He’s been playing Premier League since he was 17, and (through coaching the youth side) has some great contacts with younger guys at the club who can step up.”

The club has pencilled in a January 18 return for pre-season, but that could be brought forward a week depending on the calendar for 2022.