The Cowra Blues have taken another step in their efforts to return the AFL Central West competition, appointing Ben Rodin to lead the club in 2019 as the Senior Men’s coach.
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It is Rodin’s first coaching role and he brings extensive playing and umpiring experience, including a 2015 Reserves Premiership as a player with Victorian club West Brunswick.
He also has done extensive work as a Game Day Operations Manager, leading West Brunswick in this area in 2017.
While the Cowra Blues have struggled to field a side in recent seasons, they have historically been a successful side, with premierships in 2010, 2011 and 2016.
Rodin said that he was excited by the role’s challenges.
“Cowra is a proud sporting area and people take great pride in the performance of their teams,” Rodin said.
“I’m excited for the prospect of generating a new playing list, creating a fun and enjoyable training environment and building a brand of tough and competitive footy that players can be proud of.”
Rodin added that he was keen to build an environment where both new and experienced players can thrive.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’ve played 200 games or watched two minutes of AFL or AFLW on the TV and decided to come and see what it’s all about: Everyone’s welcome,” he said.
“The key to a successful season will be ensuring we challenge and excite existing players with new ideas, while actively seeking to develop and educate those who aren’t familiar with the game.
“There’s no reason why we can’t do both of these things while pursuing strong on-field results and developing a values-driven club culture.”
Cowra’s president, Chris Day, was excited to have secured a senior coach, with the club eager to secure someone who hadn’t previously been involved in the footy club.
“The committee was very impressed with Ben’s coaching application. He has a strong background in football from a successful club,” Day said.
“After a few lean years on and off the field, the club had basically decided to strip most things back and start from scratch. Ben’s appointment is the first major step in this.
“The committee wanted a senior men’s coach that hadn’t previously been involved in the club. Ben fits the bill perfectly and we are eager to see what new ideas and processes he puts in place to ensure the continued success of the Cowra Blues.”
Frank Bright will return to lead the Under 12s after taking them to a premiership last year, with the club still on the look out for a senior women’s coach and several junior appointments.
Training will start again in the new year on January 15, with interested parties – players, coaches, trainers, volunteers – encouraged to contact Ben Rodin at 0428 961 711. All levels of experience are welcome.
