Under the threat of extinction only eight months ago, North Shore has unveiled its latest future-proofing plan.
The Seagulls make another attempt at bringing back a ‘Colts’ level team for the first time since before the pandemic next year.
North Shore last fielded a team at local football’s highest underage level in 2019, winning AFL Barwon’s under-19 Division 3 premiership.
The Seagulls’ junior section was once the envy of every other club in the region, benefitting from its own little league and influential coaches like John ‘Bomber’ Bligh, who now has the AFL Barwon under-18 Division 1 grand final best-on-ground medal named after him.
North Shore started a program with the assistance of former AFL coach Brendan McCartney in late 2022, but was unable to get the numbers required to enter an under-18 team the following year.
The club last week announced former player Dean Rochow as coach, having recently guided Lara to the AFL Barwon under-16 Division 2 grand final.
“His experience, passion for junior development, and strong connection to our club make him the perfect person to lead the next generation of Seagulls,” a statement from North Shore said.
The club is holding a pre-season kick-off at its Windsor Park base this Wednesday from 5:30 pm.
X: @krockfootball
