Tom Hallinan is looking forward to the challenge of lifting Doveton back into the finals in 2008.Picture: Stewart Chambers.By Brad Kingsbury
DOVETON Football Club has appointed former Tooradin coach Tom Hallinan as its 2008 playing coach.
It is the first time the Doves have gone for a mentor from outside the club since Keith Robinson’s stint in the late 1990s, and Hallinan is aware of the challenge 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 remotivating in their footy, and that’s my aim.”
Hallinan replaces 2005 premiership mentor Steve Henwood, and 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.
Other confirmed Casey Cardinia league coaching appointments include former Dove Stephen O’Brien at Devon Meadows, Doug Koop at Cranbourne, Robbie Taylor at Beaconsfield and Matt Shinners at Narre Warren.
