PAUL Nigro will get a chance to build on a semi-final appearance in his first season as coach of Anglesea after signing a two-year contract extension.
Roos president Jamie McKenzie says they were keen to give experienced mentor some certainty after illness impacted his ability to lead the club in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic made this year a write-off.
McKenzie also revealed Anglesea is keen to have a succession plan in place by the time Nigro’s tenure comes to an end.
“It’s not just getting him through next year because that’s going to be uncertain, too,” McKenzie said.
“To have him where he’s got the comfort of knowing for the next couple of years, plus having that succession planning, I think it’s a really good place.
“And I think it’s going to be really positive for the club.”
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McKenzie said the re-appointment of Nigro, who has also coached in the AFL Barwon region at Belmont Lions and St Albans, also provided Anglesea with some stability during an uncertain time.
“It’s been a really tough year on everybody – the players in particular,” McKenzie.
“So, we’re getting some security for the next couple of years, with the view to a succession plan where Paul will probably take a role in the football department.”
McKenzie also confirmed star forward Jordan Erskine will remain at Alcoa Oval in an assistant coaching role in 2020.
The club also has appointed high-performance expert Jack McLean, who has experience in the AFL system with Hawthorn, to a development role.
“He’s going to be work under-15s, 17s, 19s and women’s teams, so that’s a great get,” McKenzie said.
“He’s moved into town and wanted to be involved with the footy club.
“The development of our juniors is something we’re going to need going forward.”
Nigro’s appointment leaves only Torquay and Modewarre to finalise their coaching structure for 2021.
Twitter: @tom_king79
