The Port Magpies enter a brave new Australian Rules era by adopting a 2012 coaching staff laced with tradition and personnel that have been pillars of the club for more than 30 years.
Last weekend the Magpies unveiled their new coaching staff for 2012 and the key senior position has been filled by Michael Tritton.
Tritton was appointed a Life Member of the club in 1992, and his involvement as a player, committeeman, coach, sponsor and supporter has extended over three decades.
He will be assisted in the senior role by the experienced Harry Skreja and last year’s Under 18s coach Craig Carroll.
The assistants have already discussed their role in integrating specialist forward, midfield and defensive patterns and also bring a wealth of coaching credentials and up-to-the-minute AFL knowledge.
Tritton, tasked with the job of taking the Magpies one step further than the runner-up status for the past two seasons, says it is an enviable job and one that is already shaping up well.
“It is a huge honour and privilege to be appointed coach of the Port Magpies and I look forward to building on the base of previous coach and life member Scott Payne,” Tritton said.
“My first aim is to establish a good rapport with the coaches and players alike and to make sure we all have open lines of communication.
With new players already in the fold, and some noteworthy names returning, Tritton says he will pinpoint increasing the tackling intensity across the board as well as playing an open, free-flowing style of football.
“We have a good current playing list and this will be bolstered by the return of Michael Kemp and Matt Gallagher as well as the addition of Brady Gray from down south,” he said.
“We are also expecting another two players from the Albury area and overall, this will lead to alot of competition for positions which can only be healthy for the club.”
The club’s playing heart and soul in Shannon Skreja has once again been named as club captain and he’ll be supported by Craig Dicker as vice captain and Greg Dean as deputy vice captain.
In another coup for the Magpies, the coaching appointments for the highly successful reserve grade team also encompass another two favourite sons and life members in Anthony Beasley and Allan Rider – Troy Kelly will also assist as vice captain for reserve grade.
“These men have the respect of the playing group and are unlikely to change the foundations and fundamentals for success laid down by the late great Paul Sheldon,” Magpies President Craig Carroll said.
“It is shaping as a very exciting year ahead with moving to the new Wayne Richards Park facility and building very competitive sides to help build and grow Australian Rules moving forward and also provide a link for adjoining junior clubs and supporters of this code.”
The club’s next steps will be announcing an Under 18s coach soon after the conclusion of the current Under 18 Northern Heat Trials.
The club’s first official training run for 2012 will be held on Tuesday, January 10 from 6pm at the Town Beach car park.
If anyone is looking to play in 2012 or get involved in the club as a sponsor or supporter, please phone President Craig Carroll on 0413 300 365 or Senior Coach Michael Tritton on 0418 421 184.
