Coach sticks with Lara
Club hopes Armstrong signature will attract players
LARA has secured the prized signature of coach Tony Armstrong on a new deal as the club starts piecing together its 2019 playing list.
Armstrong has committed for next year, allowing the Cats to not only lock away their current list but sell themselves to prospective recruits with confidence.
“A huge part of having this done now is about next year,” president Shane Bennett said.
“This year was always about next year and the years after, so having that stability and his expertise is really going to help us retain our players.
“We’ve got a terrific bunch of guys who really are Lara people — and a very young list with an average age of under 23.
“Having this sort of thing happen (Armstrong re-sign- ing), adds value to the club with regard to recruiting new players.”
This year is Armstrong’s second season at the club and first as coach.
Bennett said he had grown into the role well and was able to balance playing and coaching duties, helped by an experienced assistant coaching panel led by former Richmond and Brisbane coach John Northey.
Despite sitting last on the ladder, the Cats this year broke through for their first win since 2016 and, aside from Armstrong and former Cats player Mathew Stokes, are playing predominantly with a team of one-pointers.
“To commit to the club next year, this early in the season, is a mark of the character of the man and is also a mark of the way the footy club is developing and the feel around the place,” Bennett said.