Mitch Thorp Appointed coach of South Launceston Bulldogs
The South Launceston Football Club has announced that former Hawthorn star Mitch Thorp will be its new head coach for the 2012 TSL season.
The key position player joined the Bulldogs this season as its junior development officer from Werribee after being delisted by Hawthorn and he says he’s delighted by the appointment.
“I am honoured to be appointed coach of such an historic club in Tasmanian football, and I am keen to repay the faith the board has shown in me by turning this club into a great place for young men to challenge themselves mentally and physically”. Thorp said.
He added “I know it won’t be easy, we have a massive task in front of us, but I give this commitment, I will be working 100 percent and giving my all to get this club moving forward on the field”.
Bulldogs President Ian Goninon said it was a challenge to find the right person to lead the club after care taker Coach and Co-Captain Mitch Hills decided against continuing in the position.
He said “Mitch (Hills) did a superb job for us when he took over mid season, he is a club champion but he wants to focus on his own game and return from a serious knee injury, but we certainly appreciate his tireless commitment he gave us”.
He added “Thorp was an ideal replacement; he has infinite and recent knowledge of how an AFL club operates and has excellent player contacts which is vital as recruiting is a high priority for us”.
While some may question his coaching appointment at the tender age of 22, Goninon said Thorp will have an experienced support network built up around him throughout his tenure.
Goninon said “Mitch will need guidance in many areas and we will be helping him in that process anyway we can, this will ensure Mitch has the confidence to
move forward and set his future plans as head coach of our club”.
He added “His knowledge and leadership qualities have already proved beneficial for the club and as our new playing coach he will also lead by example".
Recruitment high on the agenda for Thorp, especially trying to secure some bigger bodies to help guide and mentor the younger players.
Thorp said “we have many developing senior players and they certainly have come on in the last 12 months, but we are missing some bigger more experienced players that can help mentor them and develop their skills and mind set further”.
Thorp will also set about appointing his assistant coaches as well as prepare his first pre season schedule. The star forward admits it will be a challenge, but it’s one he is ready for He said “I love a challenge, that’s what life is all about and what I have taken on is that for sure, but I see it also as a great opportunity to turn a great club around and see it enjoy the success it deserves”.
Thorp added “We have such dedicated players, sponsors and members, they have all stuck by the club through thick and thin and I want to repay them by bringing the club some on field success”.
