KERANG assistant coach Travis Matheson will take on coaching duties as the Blues seek to make history in 2015.
Matheson will step up to co-coach alongside dual premiership mentor Troy Coates as the three-time premier makes a bid for four consecutive flags.
The Blues have already re-signed 15 of their 2014 squad in their tilt at history, with defender Jon Murphy, sidelined key forward Andrew McDonald, best and fairest Brad Pay and midfield gun Luke Cotchett all on-board for next season.
Murphy and McDonald have agreed to coaching roles. The former has agreed to an assistant role with the senior side and the latter will coach the colts with Phil Birchmore, who will lead the Blues twos again.
“[Murphy] coached the thirds this year and he’s getting to that age at 23 or so where he wants to get into coaching,” Coates said.
Coates said he considered Murphy one of the competition’s most underrated defenders.
“His job on [Lee] Cox was amazing, you hardly ever see him get beaten,” he said.
Coates said it was important for Kerang to have coaches signed up for all three senior grades.
“We’re stoked to have Birchy go again as reserves coach.
“The club is not just about the seniors we want to get the second and third sides up and going again next year and make them strong again, too,” he said.
Injured stars Kobi Wilson and Tye Manuel have also put pen to paper as they look to get back into the senior side after injury-riddled seasons.
Coates said the absence of players like Wilson, Manuel and Brandon Hayes underscored Kerang’s depth because the Blues were able to cover them.
“That’s the most pleasing thing that we could have those sorts of players out and were still able to win,” he said.
It is hoped key midfielders Ryan Gillingham and Karl Lohde will re-sign in coming weeks.
Older players like Josh Bray and Lance Picioane were delaying re-committing until after the season, Coates said.
“No one is too old to go again, but they were waiting to see how the year panned out and if their bodies got through the season,” he said.
Picioane missed six games with soft tissue injuries in 2014, while a concussion cost Bray two games.
Leaving after a third consecutive premiership would be hard for anyone, Coates said.
“Those who haven’t signed yet will find it hard to leave. We want to make history next year,” he said.
Coates said the co-coaching arrangement was best for him and Matheson.
“Matho is ready to coach and really wants to do it. He’s been working at Bendigo Gold on the bench this year,” he said.
Matheson and Coates both teach in Bendigo, where they train.
Coates said he looked forward to a lighter load allowing him to concentrate more on his game.
“Over the last two years I’ve concentrated more on my coaching than my playing and so next year it will be good to share that load, even on game day,” he said.
Matheson said loyalty was key to Kerang’s continued success.
“We’re lucky enough that the locals come back year after year.
“They work hard on the track and everyone gives a commitment to train Tuesday and Thursday and do the extra sessions through the week,” he said.
Matheson said playing in consecutive losing grand finals in 2008/09, when the Blues had been heavily favoured to win premierships, had taught a number of players an important lesson about making the most of every opportunity.
Ten players from Kerang’s 2009 grand final side played in the Blues’ 2014 premiership team.
“Going through those challenges early on gives you a real understanding of how easily it can be taken away,” Matheson said.
“Regardless of what’s happened through the season, anything can happen on the day and it makes you appreciate it a hell of a lot more.”
Matheson said the Blues would strive to ensure they stayed ahead of the competition in 2015.
“We have to do everything we can to ensure [opposition teams] can’t close the gap,” he said.
