Rea takes the reins at Skipton

MATT Rea has been given the job of turning Skipton into a force in the Central Highlands Football League.The former Sebastopol player fills the big shoes left by the retirement of four-time premiership coach Tim McKay.Skipton missed the CHFL finals this year – the Emus’ first in the competition after a dominant decade in the Lexton Plains league.Rea joins Skipton after coaching Moyston-Willaura in the Mininera and District league for the past three seasons.The Pumas played in the finals in each year, reaching this year’s preliminary final.He was named the 2011 MCDFL coach of the year.Rea, who lives in Ballarat and teaches at Marian College in Ararat, said he had been looking for a break from the travelling required in the MDFL.“I was looking for a change.”So when the opportunity arose at Skipton, he was eager to take it on.Rea said he was well aware of the magnitude of the task of following McKay.“It’s a big challenge. He’s a legend.”Rea said he would most likely play on a half back flank.Rea launched his football career as a member of Assumption College’s 2000 and 2001 Herald Sun Shield premiership teams, and the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup in 2001.He lined up with Vermont in the Eastern Football League in 2002 before spending the next six years with Sebastopol in the Ballarat league.Skipton president Graham Layley said the Emus had learnt a lot in its first season in the CHFL.“We’ve been very impressed by Matt throughout the interview process.“We believe he is the right person to lead us in the challenge ahead,’’ Layley said.Pre-sason training begins for the Emus on Monday, November 21.