Marc Bullen will coach Deer Park in 2013. 67507_02 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By LIAM TWOMEY
IT was a big week for coaching appointments in the Western Region Football League with two clubs filling vacancies for the 2013 season.
North Footscray welcomed former Essendon and Geelong great John Barnes while another former Bomber, Marc Bullen will take over at Deer Park.
Since his 202-game AFL career finished, Barnes has split his time between coaching at local level and working with the ruck divisions of a number of AFL clubs.
He replaces Jason Clarke at the Devils and will look to improve on the club’s ninth-placed showing in 2012.
Bullen joins the Lions from Essendon District Football League powerhouse Maribyrnong Park in a playing/coach role.
Deer Park president Mark McGoldrick said he was rapt to find such a high calibre replacement.
“We had a few applicants and I spoke to him (Bullen) second and I didn’t bother speaking to anyone else,” McGoldrick said.
“I just felt it was the right decision. He asked all the right questions that a president would want to hear from a guy that is going to take care of the footy club. I said mate the job’s yours on the spot.”
Deer Park is coming off an outstanding first season in the Western Regional Football League’s top division having finished sixth on the ladder and defeated a number of quality teams throughout the year.
McGoldrick said the club’s ability to attract a candidate like Bullen was a sign the Lions were heading in the right direction.
“When we took over five years ago it was always to consolidate the club for three years in second division then go and get a playing coach,” he said.
“We have certainly copied the Spotswood model in how they have been successful with playing coaches. We knew that when the time was right we would get one.
“I actually personally head-hunted James to get him in the position and it is just unfortunate that his injuries are so severe that he will struggle to play football again which is a shame.
“To get a guy with Marc’s credentials I think it shows that there is a good future at our footy club.”
