FOOTY coach Andrew Saladino will tackle some unique challenges in the 2024 season.<\/p>\n
In what will be his third season as Heathcote\u2019s senior coach in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL, Saladino will also take charge in Sandhurst\u2019s debut year in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women\u2019s competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a massive challenge, but one I was really keen to have a go at,\u201d Saladino said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was an opportunity to be involved with Sandhurst, and I thought why not.\u201d<\/p>\n
Saladino said the amazing support from Heathcote FNC meant he can take on both roles.<\/p>\n
Training for Sandhurst\u2019s women\u2019s team kicked off last week at Ewing Park and drew an enthusiastic group.<\/p>\n
\u201cFive or six of the girls have never played competitive footy before, so there\u2019s a lot to learn.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a great turn-out for our first session,\u201d Saladino said of a 90-minute training session.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing able to help develop their skills is what I am looking forward to, as much as enjoying the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
The squad will train each Wednesday at Ewing Park from 6pm.<\/p>\n
Saladino said it\u2019s not too late to sign up and more details about registration are available on the Sandhurst FN Facebook page.<\/p>\n
The club\u2019s coaching panel for the senior women\u2019s team includes Grace Campbell who brings experience from AFLW level with Collingwood, and Liam Ireland, a senior player with Sandhurst.<\/p>\n
Since he took up coaching Heathcote in 2022, Saladino has led the club to sixth place, and last year\u2019s grand final where it was runner-up to Mount Pleasant by 19 points.<\/p>\n
The Saints have strengthened their squad as they aim to break a senior premiership drought which has lasted since the 17-point victory against Lockington Bamawm United in 2010.<\/p>\n
Heathcote\u2019s squad was back on track earlier this week and will have workouts on Tuesday and Thursday at Pigeon Park in Barrack Reserve.<\/p>\n
Saladino said being able to delegate roles played a big part in the Saints success last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cCodie Price is outstanding as an assistant coach and captain,\u201d Saladino said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe will play a big part in helping run and set-up training drills. He\u2019s one of the best players in the league.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Saints start a new season with the grand final rematch on 6 April on Mount Pleasant\u2019s turf at Toolleen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FOOTY coach Andrew Saladino will tackle some unique challenges in the 2024 season. In what will be his third season as Heathcote\u2019s senior coach in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL, Saladino will also take charge in Sandhurst\u2019s debut year in the Champions IGA-backed CVFL senior women\u2019s competition. \u201cIt\u2019s a massive challenge, but one I was […]<\/p>\n