Skipton has appointed Matt Rea as their senior coach for the 2013 CHFL season.
SKIPTON has thrown its faith in Matt Rea to take the club forward in 2013.
Rea has been reappointed as senior coach after taking over the role from club stalwart Tim McKay last season.
The 28-year-old had a tough start to his time in the Central Highlands Football League, with the Emus finishing 14th, but a number of narrow defeats has the playing leader looking forward to an improved campaign next year.
“This season didn’t go as planned, but we have certainly got a few things out of the year,” Rea said.
“We have got a lot more time this pre-season to target players we need and make sure we improve for next season.”
The Emus have wasted little time bolstering their playing stocks, with the signing of former North Ballarat Rebels and Roosters onballer Tyrone Ross.
Ross has joined Simon Lockyer in an assistant coaching role to Rea.
“He is a small midfielder, who is very quick and uses the ball well,” Rea said.
“We were fairly good at winning inside footy this year, but certainly lacked those players that can run and carry with it.”
Skipton president Graham Layley said the club believed Rea was the right man for the job after his first year in charge.
Layley said the Emus had now become familiar with their new surrounds in the Central Highlands and were looking to strengthen the off-field department on top of their on-field playing stocks.
“We are very pleased with the progress Matt made because he had huge shoes to fill after Tim McKay was there for 10 years,” Layley said.
“Changing from the Lexton Plains to the Central Highlands has been a big challenge so we have to get a lot more professional if we want to be competitive in this league.”
tim.oconnor@thecourier.com.au