New coach takes on-field role
Former Swans Districts Football Club colts assistant coach Brendan Wattleworth has taken up the reins as a new coach in South Hedland.
Wattleworth, who travelled up with his family, was announced as the new South Hedland Swans Football coach at a pre-season training session last week.
The North Pilbara Football League is a long way from previous coaching roles with Swan Districts, Gingin and Wongan Hills football clubs.
The Swan View Amateur Football Club life member said it was a big move for his family and joining the football league was a good way to get involved in the community.
“Moving up with the family, it’s a good challenge (playing in Hedland), should be exciting,” he said.
“Two years ago I coached my first premiership as a player-coach. I’m still hoping to player-coach — last year I was in a development role with Swan Districts colts.
“That was a real privilege.”
Wattleworth said he would be coaching from the field and focusing on players taking responsibility for their role in the team.
“Country footy itself is very attacking and I expect it will be here as well,” he said. “Hopefully we can get the boys running both ways.
“I like the guys who buy into what we are trying to teach them and take on their role, come off the ground knowing what their role is and have achieved it.”
The coach’s appointment has kick-started the Swans’ year, with a five-year sponsorship deal continuing with Fortescue Metal Group since 2011.
Wattleworth said the team was accepting new players of “all abilities, shapes and sizes”.
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