Weekly Times | GOULBURN Valley battler Tatura is in the early stages of redefining the role of playing coach Jamason Daniels.
The former Western Bulldogs rookie is in his first season with the club but may also become general manager next season.
The move is part of a potential club structure shake-up, which would put Daniels at the centre of on- and off-field operations. Club president Tim Nihill said the parameters of the role were yet to be defined, but would largely focus on junior development, sponsorship and event management.
Nihill said Daniels took up the role on a “trial” basis on Monday. They will decide at the season’s end whether he will carry on. Daniels, who is yet to coach his first win, has already been recontracted as coach for next season.
Nihill said the impending introduction of a statewide player points system and salary cap next season had forced the club to explore “something different” to foster junior development and retention.
He said the club would seek a salary cap exemption for Daniels’ general manager’s salary.
“We’re seeking advice from AFL Goulburn Murray,” Nihill said. “We feel that the role would be very separate from something that would go under the salary cap.
“We wouldn’t go down the path of fudging one (position’s earnings) and then fudging the other. It would be all above board.”
Daniels is studying a business and marketing degree at university in Shepparton. “We want to ... make sure it’s actually a legitimate position before we decide whether it’s worth investing in,” Daniels said.
AFL Goulburn Murray region general manager Martin Gleeson said once it had a clear job description it would rule on what percentage, if any, of Daniels’ earnings would count towards the cap.
