Crawford to head Laharum

When Laharum’s footballers return to action against Swifts after a round-eight Horsham District league bye, they will do so under new head coach Tom Crawford.

Crawford took over as leader of the team after former playing coach Robbie Miller was granted a clearance to Central Murray Football Netball League club Woorinen last week.

A Laharum official confirmed Miller had resigned as a player and coach.

“He feels like he needs to deal with some issues and he’s been struggling a bit mentally, so he decided he’d take some time away from the club,” the official said. “This is a hard time for the club. “He wants to look after himself, and the best way for him to do that is to step down from the job.

“We still support him and hope he gets things sorted out and can come back and play at Laharum.”

Miller made his debut for Woorinen at the weekend and was among the team’s best in a 24-point win against Balranald.

He has connections at Woorinen, with former Laharum player Todd Heynen and coach Marcus Demaria also at the club.

Crawford began 2019 as Miller’s assistant at Laharum and becomes the youngest coach in the league at 22.

Laharum president Tim Nagorcka said Crawford was ready for the challenge, describing him as a ‘more than capable young man’.