By Adrian Ceddia
THE smart money will be on Spotswood to make the Western Region Football League finals next season.
While it is only early days, the Woodsmen have given every indication they mean business in 2007 by appointing former Victorian Football League (VFL) player Luke Theodore as playing coach for next year.
Theodore, a premiership player with Williamstown in 2003, has replaced 2006 coach Larry Simmons, who stepped down for personal reasons.
At 26 years of age, Theodore believes he has plenty to offer the club as a player, as well as offering his knowledge of football at the second-highest level in the country.
He said he had developed a relationship with club members in the past few years and was looking for a new challenge after four years in the VFL with the Seagulls.
“I’m really looking forward to it. Spotswood is around the mark, so hopefully we can take it to the next level,” Theodore said.
In appointing Theodore as playing coach for 2007, Spotswood was mindful of having another coach on board to make the moves on the bench on match days.
An announcement on that appointment will not be made until at least the end of the year.
In the meantime, Theodore will channel his attention on being an on-field leader for the senior team next season.
“I’m hoping to just continue the form I’ve had over the last three years,” he said.
“I want to help the young players along and develop the team to a game plan that I think will be attune to playing finals on the Whitten Oval.”
Spotswood president Chris Murphy said the club understood Simmons’ decision to step down and would offer him a role at the club in an unofficial capacity.
“Larry was always going to retire at the end of the year, but he wants to stay around Spotswood and help out in some way,” Murphy said.
“He has been great. His commitment has been absolutely magnificent, and it’s probably been to the detriment of his health and his family.”
Murphy said the club sought Theodore’s services because he had experienced premiership success at VFL level and had been well coached in his time a player.
It is also hoped Theodore’s commitment to the Woodsmen will attract more quality players, possibly from the VFL.
“Luke was very interested, and we’re giving him his first chance at coaching,” Murphy said.
“He’s excited, and the rest of the footy club is as well.”
Spotswood has also moved quickly to secure its most valued senior players for the 2007 season and will be starting to lure more experienced players early.
“What we’ve done this year as opposed to other years is we’re getting our core playing group to sign up now,’ Murphy said.
“We want to get everything done quickly so we can get on with the preseason.”
