The Ballarat Football League has begun the search for a high-profile coach to oversee its senior representative program for the next three years.
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BFL co-chairman Wayne Baker had no hesitation in acknowledging a new sub-committee formed to revitalise Ballarat's interest in and competitiveness at inter-league level was looking to replicate what the Hampden league had achieved with Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown.
Brown, who grew up in Warrnambool before becoming a three-time Brisbane premiership player, has injected new life into Hampden in the AFL Victoria Community Championships - leading it to three victories in as many years.
The BFL saw the impact of Brown first-hand this year, with the HFL thumping an under-strength BFL by 74 points at Mars Stadium.
Baker and his co-chairman Robert Allan immediately launched a review into the BFL's senior representative program, with the focus to be on getting all clubs and players to buy into inter-league football.
Baker said the sub-committee, which met for the first time on Wednesday night, had already started developing a list of possible coaching candidates.
He said the objective was to attract someone with links to the BFL with either playing or coaching experience in the VFL or AFL - a person who had the ability to draw players into the program and commit on an ongoing basis.
Baker said it was important the coach had a close association with the BFL.
Country football legend Chris Stuhldreier, who is part of Bacchus Marsh's coaching panel, took on the job for the first time this year and was frustrated by a significant number of first-choice players who chose not to make themselves available.
Baker said the search for a new coach was not in any way criticism of the effort put in by Stuhldreier.
He said everyone from Stuhldreier through to the players who represented the BFL gave it their best shot.
"It just didn't work."
Baker said Stuhldreier remained involved in the review process as part of the sub-committee.
Baker said the sub-committee was hoping to have the coaching appointment finalised as a soon as possible.
"We'd like to seen an appointment in place by the end of the home and away season. The sooner the better.
"The sooner we have someone in place, the soon we can start the process of talking with all clubs and players," he said.
The BFL will also be increasing its commitment to inter-league football - seniors and juniors - at board level.
Baker said a director would be given a portfolio solely dedicated to the inter-league program.
He said the board was determined to again have the BFL as a force in country football.
Baker said the competition's lowly ranking near the bottom of the top 10 in the championships was not a true reflection of its standard.
"We want to put this right," he said.