Premiership captain Segifili Asa Leausa has been appointed to the senior coaching position at Hepburn.
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Asa Leausa takes on the role vacated by Jason Olver and he will be joined by Daniel Rees and Michael Watt as assistant coaches.
President Jason Dooley said it was a “natural progression” for Asa Leausa, who has an impressive resume at the club.
A dual premiership player, captain of last season’s triumph as well as coaching the under-18s to premiership success – Asa Leausa has been a committed figure through his six years at Hepburn.
Dooley described the playing-coach as a “born leader”.
“He’s been around the club for six or seven years and he’s been loyal and always hard-working,” Dooley said.
“He brings a wealth of exuberance and passion to the role and with his work as a personal trainer and his sports and physical education teaching degree he brings knowledge and experience in getting the best out of people.
“It’s just a natural progression for him to move into senior coaching.
“All three guys are highly-respected around the club and it was just a natural progression.”
Dooley said it was great to be able to source their coach from within.
He said Asa Leausa’s dedication to everything he does and his willingness to help out at the club was something that highlighted his club-minded character.
Asa Leausa coached the under-18s for two seasons and oversaw a dominant campaign in 2017. The Burras’ under-18 side went through undefeated with an unbelievable winning margin of more than 150 points.
The recently-retired Watt will control the bench while fellow assistant coach Rees and Asa Leausa continue their playing careers.
Dooley paid tribute to departing coach Olver.
The premiership coach was an outstanding figure to have at the club and Dooley thanked him for his services, saying he was one of the most driven people he had come across.
“Jason, as we know, leaves no stone unturned in anything he does and is probably the most capable person we have ever met in the fact that he can do absolutely anything he sets his mind to.
“This was again proven in his stint as senior coach and bringing home the 2017 cup.
“Jason has done everything at this club and whatever he decides to do next, we know it will be done right.”
Former assistant Johno Leoncini also departs to coach Clunes.