Border Mail |
EXPERIENCED Wangaratta Rovers utility Kyle Raven will coach Tarrawingee next season.
The running defender is out to improve on the Bulldog’s preliminary final finish from this year.
He replaces Finton Eames at the helm.
However, Eames is expected to remain at the club as a player.
“Which is great,” Raven, 30, said.
“I’ll be leaning on him a fair bit and (assistant) Trevor Edwards a bit.
“I’ve been an assistant at Rovers the last couple of years and coaching is always something I’ve wanted to have a crack at.
“With work, I don’t think Ovens and Murray would have worked too well and a club close to town was the logical option.
“It’s a big challenge but an exciting one.”
Raven spent 11 seasons at W.J. Findlay Oval after playing at Ovens and Murray rival Myrtleford as a youngster.
He played for the Saints in the 2001 grand final they lost to Lavington.
Raven said he left the Hawks with plenty of good memories.
“Absolutely. Playing alongside somebody like Barry Hall was a real highlight,” he said.
“And also other blokes at the club too, like Ross Hill.
“It was a decision I didn’t make lightly.”
His departure adds to an indifferent off-season for the Hawks.
They have now lost both the Raven brothers (Kyle and Lachie), Dan McCullough and midfield ace Sam Caruso.
