Weekly Times |FOR Andrew Freemantle, senior coach of Calivil United, coaching is in the blood.
It’s no surprise he once again finds himself back in charge of a Loddon Valley league powerhouse this season — his third stint in the role.
The Freemantle name has a rich history with the club as Andrew is a third generation Demon.
His father and grandfather both coached — at different levels — with the club.
His father Cyril coached the club to a famous three-peat in 1968-70, and his grandfather, Ron, is believed to have coached at another club before becoming a mentor for the Demons’ junior ranks.
“Calivil United was always my home club,” Freemantle said.
“I went away to Golden Square for a couple years and came back in 2002, and being a local kid it was fitting to end up coach of the club.”
In his two previous stretches as Demons’ senior coach, Freemantle netted four flags in 2003-04 and 2007-08 to surpass the mark set by his father.
Freemantle stepped down from coaching for the club’s 2005 and 2006 premierships, but shared in the spoils as a player for all six flags.
He returned to the post this season and was looking to take the Demons to the top after a disappointing season last year that included only three wins.
Freemantle said his father was still strongly connected to the club, and would be at Calivil United’s 125th season celebrations this weekend.
Currently at fifth with six wins and six losses, Freemantle said Saturday’s game against fourth-placed Mitiamo shaped as a potentially season-defining clash.
“It’s nearly a final in itself,” he said.
