Corrigan coup for Gulls
From AFL coaching role to BFL debut for triple premiership star ROUND 5
DECORATED country footballer Mark Corrigan is set to play up to five matches for Barwon Heads this season as the club strengthens its flag tilt.
Corrigan will line-up against Queenscliff this afternoon, his first match since 2016 when he played for Strathmore in the Essendon and District Football League.
Barwon Heads co-coach Mitch Herbison revealed he had coaxed Corrigan, a development coach at Essendon, to play this season. came this week, with Essendon playing Sunday games in both the AFL and VFL.”
With his commitments at the Bombers, Corrigan has told Herbison he could play a handful of matches this season, which would allow him to qualify for finals should the Seagulls make it.
“We had a look at the draw and mapped out games that he might be able to play,” Herbison said.
“And all things being equal, he will play around four or five and there’s a few that are up in the air as well.”
Herbison is confident the naturally-fit Corrigan will be able to contribute at BFL level, despite a full season out of the game.
“He’s involved at Essendon training, so he’s always keeping active and kicking footies,” he said.
“He’s getting the training in, but it will be just a matter of getting that match fitness back.”
A triple premiership player at South Barwon, Corrigan won the 2007 Mathieson Medal alongside David Mensch and claimed a string of club best and fairests.
Corrigan’s return is a major boost for the Seagulls’ premiership hopes as they gun for a fourth-straight victory today.
“It’s great having him at training,” Herbison said.
“It’s similar to ‘Boris’ (Corey Enright) last year, it’s a great boost for the guys at training and the guys who are lucky enough to play with him.
“He’s had a great career as a player at Sandringham, Geelong and South Barwon and he’s stepped into the coaching field where he’s got a lot of experience as well. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the playing group and the coaching group as well.”
The Seagulls have made three changes for the clash against the Coutas, with Corrigan, Mitch Herbison and Jason Kerby replacing Sam Herbison, Zach Walter and Lachlan Slorach.