By Tara Murray
New Lalor coach Gary Cutler is excited by the challenges that lie ahead.
Cutler, who had been coaching rival Northern Football League division 3 side Heidelberg West, was announced as Lalor’s new coach on Saturday.
Cutler has 30 years coaching experience, including the past five years in the NFL.
“They are a big club with a lot of history,” he said of Lalor.
“The challenge is there to get them back up to their glory days.
“Not too long ago they were a powerhouse … It doesn’t take a lot to turn things around.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and hopefully scare a few teams along the way.”
Cutler said he faced a similar challenge when he took over at Heidelberg West two years ago.
He said he had mutually parted ways with the club which wanted to head in a different direction.
Cutler brings a team of assistant coaches and support staff with him to Lalor.
“I think it’s important to bring in a whole team,” he said.
“It’s a whole new football department and I think it’s important to be on the same page.
“We’re ready to roll the sleeves up.”
Cutler takes over a side which won just two games last season after dropping a grade. In the previous off season the club almost folded.
A number of senior players left the club, which gave a lot of younger players an opportunity last season.
Cutler said one of the main focuses was to get the under-19 team back up to help further develop younger players.
He said while last off season was the toughest in the club’s history, this time around it was looking a lot smoother.
“From what I’ve heard, just about every single player has re-signed. We’ll bring some players with us. Having played against them this year, they were quite small.
“They’ve got a ruckman in Daniel Moore who will be a super player. He just needs some bigger bodies around him.”
Lalor president Benjamin Charles paid tribute to the contribution of outgoing coach Dean Grainger this year.
“[Season] 2017-18 came with some enormous challenges and without the support of the committee, players and coaching staff, the club would not be in the viable position we are now placed,” Charles said.
“A huge thank you is extended to Dean Grainger who accepted a role with limited certainty and player departures that was unprecedented.
“Dean has indicated he will be looking to spend a year away from football and we are proud that he played such an important part in establishing the club’s on-field department.”
