THE Cohuna Kangas have welcomed a two-time Bendigo Football Netball League senior premiership player back to the club.
Rhys Bradley – who last played for the Central Murray Football Netball League side in 2011 – will be the club’s senior assistant coach to Rick Easton.
The utility was a member of Golden Square’s premiership-winning sides in 2012 and 2013, before playing for Loddon Valley Football League team, Pyramid Hill, as well as Western Australian outfit, Kambalda, in 2014.
Bradley returned to the district last year, and was a key member of the Koondrook/Barham side that lost the CMFNL senior grand final to Kerang.
“I am excited to be returning home to the club where I started my football, hoping to give a bit back,” Bradley said.
“It’s great to be playing football where I live and getting back to playing with all my mates I grew up with.”
Joining Bradley as a new recruit for the Kangas is Shannon Hammond, who played alongside him at Pyramid Hill.
Senior players began pre-season training in November, with efforts increasing since midway through last month as the side aims to return to finals action after finishing ninth last year.
The make-up of the football coaching panel remains identical to last year, with Bradley added to the group of Damien Boyer (reserves), Troy Vanderzande (Colts), Khane Mason (under 14.5) and Jeff Mason (under 12s).
The club’s Colts and under 14 football sides, as well as its 15 and Under Reserve netball teams, will all be aiming to defend premierships won last year.
Club president, Grant Lunghusen said the committee is also excited at the return of decorated netballer, Allira Hammond, who will co-coach the club’s A Reserve grade section.
A defender, Allira Hammond was best on court in last season’s Golden Square’s Bendigo Football Netball League A Grade premiership win.
“The knowledge they have gained will be invaluable to our young list of talent,” Lunghusen said.
“Cohuna Kangas have been a nursery of talent for two decades and for us to achieve the ultimate goal we must retain and see the return of more players – football and netball – to our club to showcase themselves to our community.”
Sami Drover has been re-appointed as the senior netball coach, with Kobie Free to co-coach the A Reserve team alongside Allira Hammond.
April Bird will continue her role as B Grade coach, with Katrina Robinson coaching the B Reserve side.
Catrina Robinson and Shelby Trigg have been appointed 15 and Under coaches, with Tiff Bartram and Megan Heffer overseeing the 17 and Under side.
Imogen McKenzie and Celia Palmer will manage the 13 and Under squads.
“Our destiny is what we want to make it, not what we follow in the past,” Lunghusen said.
The Cohuna Kangas will take on Swan Hill on April 9 in the first of three night matches to occur at the Swan Hill Showgrounds.
