Former Sandringham assistant coach and Melton resident Matt Embling is excited to coach Pakistan in its International Cup campaign beginning Wednesday.
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Embling, who has also worked with Collingwood’s AFL Women’s team, has plenty of experience in the game and a rich background in coaching having started at Rockbank.
Given his commitments to the AFLW competition, he approached the AFL to see if there were any coaching roles over the winter and he has since taken on the coaching mantle for Pakistan.
The Shaheens take on Japan at Marty Busch Reserve Wednesday morning in division two action of the International Cup.
Embling said he had been buoyed by the passion the group had brought and said the International Cup was not just about the scoreboard but also the experience it provided his players.
“It’s not all about wins and losses, it’s about giving guys an opportunity to play footy on good decks and get exposure to different things,” Embling said.
“They just want to have a crack and play footy, they’re passionate.”
Pakistan’s side is made up of varying levels of talents and experience in Australian Rules. Some are involved in local clubs, some play cricket in summer and have taken the chance to adopt the game while some have made the trip over from Pakistan to play.
Embling said coaching an international team offered different challenges to coaching a team that has grown up with the game.
Embling said he had kept it simple and focused on the basics of the game.
Ballarat will host four matches of the International Cup this week. Marty Busch Reserve sharing the duties with St Patrick’s College.
The International Cup sees teams of 24, six on the bench, play four 17:30 quarters.