By LIAM TWOMEY
SPOTSWOOD has appointed Tom Langlands as a playing coach for next season.
Langlands was captain at the Woodsmen this year and replaces Chris O’Keefe who stood down from the top job at season’s end.
“I have wanted to coach for a few years now. It was a pretty tough gig to get and I was rapt to get the nod on Monday,” Langlands said.
“In the last three years with Chris (O’Keefe) we have played in a flag and had two one-point losses which are obviously shattering.
“I think this is a chance to refresh the boys. Obviously it is a massive step up because at the end of the day it all comes back to the coach in terms of your results. I am looking forward to it, that’s for sure.”
Langlands played for the Woodsmen as a junior before taking his football to the next level with Victorian Football League side Williamstown.
After three years at the Seagulls and one season in the Ovens and Murray Football League, he returned to Spotswood in 2011 and played in the club’s premiership win against Albion.
With pre-season training just a few weeks away, Langlands said he didn’t think there would be many list changes at Spotswood and was looking forward to seeing the progression of the club’s rising stars.
“I have a lot of confidence in our boys,” he said.
“A lot of them are Spotty juniors and the younger sort of guys, they have been through a lot now with a couple of really good finals series and a couple of tight games.
“I am looking forward to seeing those guys progress with their experience and their learning.
“I think we might need a couple of talls but we will be mostly OK with the players we have got. I will always back our boys.”
With Langlands on field during games, Grant Smith will take on the role of senior bench coach.
