Rob Waters coached Gisborne senior footballers to the 2022 Bendigo League premiership, breaking a long drought for the Bulldogs.
Yesterday the club announced it was very happy to have Waters returning as the men’s senior coach next season. He will also be in charge for the three remaining matches of this season, starting with the clash against ladder-leader Sandhurst tomorrow (Saturday).
After the 2022 premiership, Waters stepped down as senior coach for a combination of work commitments and burn-out from coaching throughout three COVID-affected seasons.
Well-credentialed Brad Fox, a three-times Gisborne premiership player, stepped up from being assistant Under 18s coach in 2021 and 2022 to take over the senior role.
The club was grateful to have someone of Fox’s calibre to fill the coaching void this season, which has been a challenging one with eight premiership players departing. Lack of depth has been apparent as the Bulldogs have struggled against the top Bendigo-based clubs, and also missed out by less that a goal against Kyneton on two occasions.
Average age of the Bulldogs’ seniors this season has been just 21 years.
As Waters had been midfield coach throughout this season, and knows the players well, Fox decided to step aside now and hand the reins over.
The club has welcomed the seamless transition with Waters and the current players having a head-start for season 2024.
Gisborne intends to try to attract a small number of quality recruits to enhance the current playing list.
There is every reason to feel Gisborne can be very competitive next season.
The club calls on its supporters to join in thanking Fox for his efforts, as well as wishing Waters well for next season.
