DARREN Flanigan is the new head coach of the VFL Academy squad for the 2013 season.
Flanigan will replace Nathan Bibby, who has accepted a job with the Western Bulldogs after running the academy during its inaugural year.
The VFL Academy is designed to provide nominated players additional development experiences and prepare them for a possible jump to AFL football.
Flanigan brings considerable experience to the role having previously worked with TAC Cup region the Dandenong Stingrays for 16 years.
“I saw this as a great opportunity to work with some very talented young footballers,” Flanigan said.
“I looked at it and I thought it was something that I would really like to get my teeth into and something that I think I can make a bit of a difference with.
“I have been ringing all the TAC Cup region managers and spoken to a number of AFL recruiters and I am in the process of ringing all the VFL coaches and putting a list together. At the moment we have 75 players we are looking at.”
In the coming weeks, the squad will be cut down to 40 before a round of fitness testing to help select the final 20 who will make up the 2013 list.
“You will get kids who have never been in the TAC Cup system and you will get kids who have been in the VFL for three or four years who have played 50 VFL senior games,” Flanigan said.
“Also you will get guys who are first year out of junior footy but with the reduced number of rookies taken last year were a little bit unfortunate to miss out. We will get players with a range of ability.”
Last year, three players from the academy were drafted into the AFL system, including Williamstown’s Jack Frost.
Flangian said he was trying to organise training sessions with AFL senior and assistant coaches for this year’s crop to give players a greater understanding of what is required to succeed at the next level and what AFL clubs are looking for.
“You just want to make a difference,” he said.
“If you get an AFL career out of it, that is outstanding for them.
“The ones who still retain their place in the VFL, you hope that they have picked up a few tricks and are a little bit more educated having had that exposure to the competition.”
