Jason Armistead believes that leaping into the unknown as the inaugural coach of the Geelong Falcons’ girls’ program has proven beneficial as he navigates his second stint as the leader of a senior men’s team.
The former Colac and South Barwon star previously coached Bellarine club Anglesea for two years before taking on the role at the Falcons.
He guided a team containing the likes of future AFLW talents Nina Morrison, Liv Purcell, and Lucy McEvoy to a premiership during his three-year stint in the Talent League system.
“I definitely learnt to be more patient about the way I taught things,” Armistead said.
“And even just being a bit more relaxed around the group, so you sort of weren’t putting your nervousness or your anxiety onto the players.
“With the girls, they really read your body movements and whether you’re uptight or whatever.
“So, just to probably relax a little bit more and try and make it a lot easier for the players. And also just being patient about the process of learning.
“I think it’s definitely made me a better coach. And now it’s just about translating that back to the men’s side.”
Armistead is sharing the role at Colac with former St Kilda star Seb Ross.
And despite hamstring issues hampering his on-field output, Armistead couldn’t speak more highly of the two-time Saints best-and-fairest’s football acumen.
“It’s not necessarily about whether he’s getting kicks – he just sets the contests up really well,” Armistead said.
“And you do notice it when he’s not out there because he’s just got that experience to know what to do, at the right times, too, in games.
“We’re trying to teach our players about the ebbs and flows of games and how to deal with different situations instead of just going about it the same way for the whole day.”
Colac has been forced into two changes for its home meeting with Grovedale.
The Tigers have lost experienced pair Luke Hillman (quad) and Jarryn McCormack (groin).
Sam Giblett returns from injury, and Billy Buchanan’s been recalled from the reserves for his second senior game.
Grovedale has made four forced changes.
Co-captain Rory Quinn (ankle), Nathan McHugh (AC joint), Ben Davis (hamstring) and Josh De Goldi (unavailable) go out of the team well beaten by St Joseph’s last week.
Nick Hau and Tyler Cummins return from injury, with Eamon Dowd and Jas Lang promoted from the reserves.
Bell Park has included captain Lachie Patten and forward Mitch Mahady for the Zoe Kennedy Cup clash against Newtown & Chilwell at Hamlyn Park.
They replace omitted Hamish Dawson and Jonty Scott.
The Eagles have replaced Sam Nitschke with experienced forward Mick Condy.
South Barwon has been forced into one change for its clash with Geelong West at West Oval.
Tom Peirce has earned VFL selection with Geelong, with Max Mawson his replacement.
The Giants will be without Lachie Handley, Noah Allen, August Stelma, and Ollie Maddalena, who will be replaced by captain Bradley Wood, Josh Dwyer, Charlie Leavold, and Riley Meddings.
Rounding out the Saturday matches, St Joseph’s and North Shore have both named squads for their clash at Drew Oval.
Leopold will make at least five changes for its Sunday meeting with St Mary’s at Anthony Costa Oval.
Captain Marcus Thompson and key defender Harris Jennings are back after missing last week’s loss to Bell Park, with Geelong Falcon Harry Morphet, Will Lane and Lewis Gilbert in line to make their debuts, with both named on an extended bench.
Kyle Bumpstead, Andrew Pepper, Bradley Pasque, Billy Ritchie, and Jett Mathews are all missing.
The Saints welcome back veteran Jarryd Garner and key position player Sam Bourke for Matt Copley (fractured wrist) and Ryan Pendlebury.
Lara and St Albans will have the weekend off before facing off for the Peter Kelly Cup next weekend.
More to come
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