DAVID Loader is the new North Ballarat Rebels head coach in the TAC Cup.Loader steps into the pivotal role in the Rebels' pathways program after four years in development and assistant coaching roles with the under-18 team.He fills the vacancy left by Glenn Wilkins, who stood down after two seasons at the helm.Loader spent this year as a senior assistant coach and under-16 development squad coach.The 40-year-old, who coached SMW Rovers in the Mininera and Districts Football League before joining the Rebels, said the appointment fulfilled an ambition.Rebels regional manager Phil Partington also announced yesterday the appointment of Shaun O'Loughlin and Jason Muldoon as assistant coaches.O'Loughlin moves to the Rebels after being the Ballarat Swans senior coach in the Ballarat league for two years.The Hamilton-based Muldoon was a Rebels development coach this year, having previously coached Hamilton Imperials in the Western Border league.Partington said Loader was taking on an expanded role, without it being a full-time position.He said the position had been revamped to allow the coach to spend more time with players across the region."It isn't easy over such a large region."The Rebels have squads based in Ballarat, Horsham, Hamilton and Warrnambool.Partington said getting all players as often as desired was not easy when trying to work in with full-time employment.Loader has a part-time position at St Patrick's College, and is studying a Bachelor of High Performance (Sport and Business) for coaching AFL and elite athletes competing at national and international levels, which is in partnership with the Australian Football League and the AFL Coaches Association. He also runs his own sports supplies business.
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