Gleeson set to make history

Dom Gleeson will become the longest-serving coach in Bellarine history after Torquay extended his tenure for at least another season.

The Tigers announced the two-time premiership mentor would continue in the role he started in 2015 at today’s (Saturday) Past Players gathering, which featured the 40-year reunion of the club’s 1984 premiership.

Gleeson has led Torquay on 166 occasions, posting a 131-35 win-loss record leading into today’s clash with Anglesea.

Depending on how the Tigers fare in this year’s finals, he will break Matthew Sproule’s record of 178 matches in round five or six next year.

“We know there’s a lot of great coaches out there – the Ronnie Watts of the world,” president Cam Healy said.

“I think his reputation now sits in that category compared to the Ron Watts, the Otis (Steve) Clarks, the Heath Jamiesons as one of Geelong’s greatest coaches over the last significant period of time.”

Healy says Gleeson’s impact on the club goes well beyond what happens on a Saturday afternoon.

“He’s heavily involved in our women’s and men’s grades all the way through from the juniors up,” Healy said.

“He’s been a junior coach for the last six years. He’s involved in the junior girls, where his daughter plays.

“He works closely with Daniel Emmerson and Scott Diamond, our under-18 coaches; James Rahilly and Shaun Reardon, our under-16 coaches; Brent Hartigan and Kieran O’Dwyer, our under-14 (coaches).

“He’s our under-12 coach.

“This guy touches every element of our club, and we’re absolutely blessed to have a great coach.”

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DOM GLEESON