Tara Murray
Craigieburn has turned to someone with ‘Craigieburn blood’ as its senior coach for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season.
The Eagles announced on Sunday that Shane Jacobs had been appointed coach of the side. Jacobs played more than 100 junior games for the club, before he would play in the Victorian Football League and later other leagues.
After winning several league best and fairests across different competitions, he moved into coaching where he won three reserves premierships with Bundoora in the Northern Football League.
Eagles president John Perrone said they were pretty excited about the appointment. He said they had a number of good applicants for the role.
“He’s a Craigieburn person,” Perrone said. “He is well known at the club and has plenty of experience both playing and coaching.
“He’s coached for the last five years at Bundoora and has three premiership flags under his belt.
“He’s got eight best and fairests and is very knowledgeable, which we wanted with the young guys.
“He’s a great fit for us.”
Perrone said the Bundoora program where Jacobs is coming from is really strong, with a number of former AFL players involved.
“He’s got the know-how and we’re keen for him to teach and focus on the learning part to help us become a powerhouse.”
The Eagles have had mixed fortunes in recent times, with two premierships and earning promotion into premier division before coming straight back down.
This year they finished second bottom in division 1.
Perrone said the core young group of players had signed on for next season. He said they would look to add to the group with Jacobs already putting in the work.
“There’s a few numbers we’re looking to add,” he said. “ We want to add some experience and Shane knows a lot of ex players across the divisions and is looking to have conversations.
“We need a handful of players to assist our young boys.”
