BARWON Heads’ defenders are set to benefit from the wisdom of one of the greatest backmen to play the game, with Matthew Scarlett joining the reigning BFNL premier’s coaching staff in 2023.
The Seagulls have confirmed to krockfootball.com.au that the Geelong great and Australian Football Hall of Fame member will take on an assistant coaching role at Howard Harmer Oval.
Co-coach Mitch Herbison said he contacted Scarlett, who he played with at GFNL club South Barwon, about coming on board after being appointed alongside Sam Schaller as Dan Donati’s replacements.
“Sammy and I were appointed as co-coaches, and we started to put together a bit of a team of assistant coaches, and Scarlo’s name was on our list,” Herbison said.
“We touched base with him a week or so ago, and he expressed a bit of an interest to get involved in local footy, and it just evolved from there.
“He’s going to be a real asset for us and a guy that can add a bit of value to our young group.”
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Herbison admits he thought reaching out to Scarlett, who stood down as an assistant coach at Geelong at the end of the 2021 season, was a ‘Hail Mary’.
“I wasn’t sure of his commitments, in terms of work and that sort of thing next year,” Herbison said.
“He spent a bit of time at our games with James Garvey throughout the year, and I knew he had a little bit of interest in local footy.
“He was someone I thought might be interested. But, at the same time, I’m sure he’s getting offers left, right and centre.
“We’re very lucky to have him.”
Garvey, who has previously coached Barwon Heads and South Barwon, will join Scarlett on the Seagulls’ coaching staff.
“He’s another one that’s keen to step back into a role,” Herbison said.
“He’s a very experienced coach and has had a lot of success as well.
“We’ll look to use their knowledge as much as we can.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
