By Brad Kingsbury
TOORADIN Football Club’s loss is Casey Cardinia league rival Doveton’s gain after former Seagull coach Tom Hallinan was appointed as the 2008 playing coach at the Robinson Reserve last week.
It is the first time the Doves have gone for an outsider since Keith Robinson led the club in the late 1990s, and Hallinan is well aware of the challenge to he faces to instil his coaching philosophies into a playing group set in its ways.
“I’m well aware that I’m an outsider coming in, but maybe it’s time for a change of direction,” the 32-year-old defender said.
“There is a lot of talent at Doveton and I’ve spoken to quite a few of the players and they are looking forward to next year already.
“I think they need re-motivating in their footy, and that’s my aim.”
Hallinan replaces 2005 premiership mentor Steve Henwood, whose services have been keenly sought by several Casey Cardinia league rivals, together with a number of Ellinbank and District league clubs.
Hallinan said the attraction of Doveton, apart from the obvious football talent on the list, was the opportunity to grow the club in the community, with which he has had a three-year association as a teacher at Eumemmerring Secondary College.
“I’m 10 minutes up the road and I’ve work with the kids in the area for three years, so maybe I’m not as much of an outsider as it appears,” he said.
“I see this as a chance to expand the club to the community and get kids playing sport. It’s a great challenge and I’m aiming to play finals next year.”
It will now be up to the Doveton players and members to support Hallinan and his assistant Keith Pimblett in their efforts to lift the Doves up the ladder.
Hallinan said he was still assessing the playing list, but the addition of a key forward would be a priority.
