Gisborne Giants Football Netball Club has just appointed three very well credentialed leaders to guide the club’s full affiliation with the Riddell League next season.
Andrew Hall, Aaron McLean and Adrian ‘AJ’ Craske come to the Giants after a long recruitment process.
“These are significant appointments to help strengthen the club and create strong pathways for Gisborne Giants players,” club president Brad Gauci told the Express.
The trio are settling into their new roles, confident the Giants will become a very successful club and provide another district option for footballers and netballers of all ages.
Their depth of knowledge, experience and belief in what the Giants can offer is very apparent.
Andrew Hall is the Giants’ senior football head coach.
Hall and ‘AJ’ were pleased to be at the official opening of the multi-million dollar first stage of the Macedon Ranges Sporting Precinct on Friday afternoon. The Giants will be the prime winter tenant for the venue.
The time may well come when the Riddell League plays finals on the new football ground.
Hall is currently senior assistant coach at the strong Strathmore Football Club in the Essendon District League Premier division.
Following U19s and Coaching Academy roles he has been Sunbury Lions junior coach.
Outside coaching roles, he holds a head physio role and gained extensive experience and insights as a trainer from his time with the Port Adelaide and other AFL clubs.
‘AJ’ Craske has the dual roles of senior netball director and head coach with the Giants.
“My approach is to build strong connections between the club’s juniors and senior programs and importantly, expand the offering in the region to provide more opportunities for a strong local competition,” he said.
He brings a plethora of junior and senior netball coaching and management experience to the club, and has a real passion for the sport.
‘AJ’ is currently coaching multiple junior teams and open age at Strathmore Netball Club. He has a wide commitment to netball through senior development.
The Giants are confident his leadership will enhance the netball programs and foster a strong team culture.
Aaron McLean, a Gisborne resident, is well known to the Riddell District Football Netball League community as the former football operations manager for the league.
He played football locally, and currently holds a sports manager role working closely with governance.
McLean is pleased to be the Giants’ senior football director.
He will oversee the club’s senior program and work with Hall to ensure a solid kick-off for the Giants in 2025.
“The Riddell League has a great future, and I believe the Giants have a very important role to play in its growth,” he said.
As a vibrant local club, the Giants expect to offer wide appeal to players who do not want to travel long distances to pursue their sporting interests.
