Clive Raak brings ample experience, including a premiership with Hepburn, to Trentham’s senior coaching position for the 2023 season.
A former ruckman with the strong Melton club, Raak coached Hepburn to a premiership in 2013 in the Central Highlands Football League.
He stayed at Hepburn for three seasons, and returned for a repeat stint in charge in 2019 when the club was beaten 14.13 to 6.9 by Waubra in the grand final.
Raak became assistant coach at North Ballarat in the Ballarat League in 2021, and is now looking forward to being in charge at Trentham where plenty of last season’s players, including co-captains Dylan Holden and Mark Strickland, have re-committed.
The Saints were highly competitive in the home and away round, and lost narrowly to eventual premiers Harcourt in a qualifying final, and ended up being eliminated before by Carisbrook in a preliminary final.
The Trentham club paid tribute to outgoing coach Rick Dowling for his contribution.
“He and his family have been brilliant for the Saints and will always remain part of our fabric,” a spokesperson said.
Senior best and fairest Joel Cowan has re-committed to the Saints, and Raak should have a very fit and committed combination available when the MCFNL 2023 season begins.
David Matheson has worked with Raak with positive outcomes for many years, and he is joining the Saints as a strength and conditioning coach.
The proprietor of Daylesford Personal Training, Matheson focuses on an array of individual improvements in areas including mind set, motivation, fitness, agility, technique, diet, and creating solid foundations.
Trentham will be pleased to hear from potential recruits for next season.
