By Abby Walter

A Wimmera footballer is returning home to coach Nhill senior footballers in Wimmera league’s 2024 season.

Jake McQueen played his junior football with the Tigers and most recently played in the Victorian Football League for Southport.

McQueen said after eight years away from home he was looking forward to getting among the community again.

“I’m very excited. We have a good group and hopefully we can go far this season,” he said.

“It’s my first time coaching, so it’s exciting and nerve-wracking.”

Nhill and District Sporting Club also announced Jaye Macumber will be game day bench coach, while David Flood will continue in a game strategy role.

McQueen said it would be good to ‘bounce off’ the experience and knowledge of the two assistant coaches.

He said the goal for the season was to get the young team to ‘gel’.

“When we get our game plan right, there are no limits and we will be aiming for finals,” McQueen said.

“I have been around a few clubs and some good coaches, so I will be taking bits and pieces from what I have learned from them into the season.

“We will have an attacking game style, while also focusing on enjoyment.

“The season will also be about the connections we have off the field, having a good culture that makes people comfortable and happy to be playing football together.”

Tracey Bell and Emma Hawker will continue to coach Nhill’s A Grade netball team after they reached finals in season 2023 for the first time in many years.

Across the league

Ararat has also made a senior football coaching announcement.

Premiership players Tom Mills and Tom Williamson will be at the helm of the Rats in 2024.

Southern Mallee Thunder has appointed Kieran Delahunty to continue his coaching role from last season at the former Southern Mallee Giants.

The entire November 15, 2023 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!