SHANE Skontra will return as Central Highlands Football League interleague head coach in 2013.
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Skontra officially learned of his reappointment to the role yesterday.
It comes after he lead the Highlanders to victory in their first senior interleague appearance in 15 years against Ellinbank and District in May.
“I think it’s always nice to be able to give two years and to get the opportunity for two years. I’m looking forward to it coming around again,” Skontra told The Courier.
Skontra, 34, will have more time to dedicate to the position after stepping down from coaching duties at Waubra, which he led to two senior premierships.
Jason Allen has taken over at the helm of the Roos after joining the club as an assistant in 2012.
Skontra said he expected there would be improvement made on last season’s long-awaited interleague appearance.
“Our philosophy won’t change,” Skontra said.
“We want players that want to play, but we are just hoping that the people involved last time have had a positive experience and that sort of word will filter around the clubs.”
There has also been a change of opponent for the Central Highlands next year.
Originally scheduled to play Maryborough Castlemaine District, the Highlanders have now been pitted against the Ovens and King competition.
The Western Border league’s shift to a South Australian affiliation means Victorian country rankings were altered.
Central Highlands will host their rivals, which were beaten by four points against Picola and District North during the 2012 interleague carnival.
“Certainly they are an unknown quantity given their location, so we will have to gather information on their players. It should make it a good, exciting match,” Skontra said.
The 2013 country championships will be held on the weekend of May 25-26.
tim.oconnor@fairfaxmedia.com.au