Scott West with Werribee president John Nicol and Ballan Holden’s Tino Ballan. 72865 Picture: LIAM TWOMEY
By Liam Twomey
JUST how does one of Australia’s leading football clubs go about appointing a new coach they hope will bring them their next premiership?
The Werribee Football Club has just been through the thorough process while searching for a replacement for Paul Satterley and has come out the other side feeling like they hit the jackpot after appointing Scott West.
“So far the feedback has been excellent. Obviously at this time of the year it’s a bit hard to gauge everybody’s reaction but we are confident that we will get a very good buy in,” Werribee president John Nicol said.
The process of obtaining West began when club CEO Mark Penaluna contacted the AFL Coaches’ Association as the club began to compile a list of candidates they thought were qualified to lead them in 2012.
They initially interviewed four candidates for the role, who were then cut to two before West was officially notified that he would receive a two-year deal.
The six-time Western Bulldogs best-and-fairest winner said his initial presentation to the club took 90 minutes and involved both parties getting to know the other.
“It was a really good process, it was pretty relaxed. I was able to get out what I would like to do and bring to the club and their expectations from me,” said West.
“There were a lot of questions and answers from both parties and then it was the matter of another meeting later in the week in relation to the Kangaroos (AFL affiliate side). That took place and then I was informed.”’
The honeymoon period for West and Werribee has been a short one as the two parties begin putting together the 2012 playing list and identifying off-season recruiting targets.
The Tigers will be inviting a number of players to train with the club in the off-season after the conclusion of the national draft and rookie draft.
“The list will begin to take more shape after that when we know more about what’s available,” West said.
“I think we have a really good core group of players and it would be nice to bolster the key position posts.”
Nicol was hopeful the Tigers and West were building the foundations for a shot at a premiership in season 2012.
“We make no secret of the fact that we would like to improve. We would like to win another premiership and we seem to be going about it the right way,” he said.
“Paul Satterley was an excellent appointment for us. He did a great job in 2011 and if we can build on that in 2012 and beyond then we will be delighted.”
It was also good news for the club’s off field stability after they announced Ballan Holden would be on board again as a major sponsor for the 13th year.
Nicol said it was a major milestone for both parties.
‘“The Ballan Family has embraced this football club beyond sponsorship. It has always been a deeper commitment because Tino’s sons Mark and Paul played for the club at the highest level,” he said.
“The support now extends to their children. That is very special. The entire Ballan family gets involved in match days and our social events. They are a very important part of the fabric of our football club.”
