Newly appointed Bendigo coach Hayden Skipworth says he is looking forward to developing a young side ahead of the 2012 VFL season.
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Skipworth, who played 11 games for the Bombers, said he was thrilled at the opportunity of leading Bendigo after learning of his appointment from Essendon coach James Hird.
Skipworth, who played 11 games for the Bombers, said he was thrilled at the opportunity of leading Bendigo after learning of his appointment from Essendon coach James Hird.
“It is another step forward in terms of my development as a coach and I was rapt when Hirdy offered me the role as senior coach of Bendigo,” Skipworth said.
“My whole goal is to continue to develop the young guys both on the Essendon and Bendigo list so hopefully I can bring a development side to the coaching role as well as adding a few little touches that will be different.”
Speaking exclusively to BomberTV, Skipworth said working under the likes of James Hird and Bomber Thompson had influenced his personal coaching style, as the former midfielder looks to bring a similar game plan to Bendigo next season.
“I am learning off them every day and they’re great coaches to have around me. It is really good to learn off the best and we certainly have a number of ‘state-of-the-art’ coaches,” he said.
“The game plan won’t change too much as I’d imagine it will be a similar sort of style. There may be a few things we tinker with but there will be nothing too drastic that changes.”
Skipworth revealed his interest in developing Essendon’s younger players was a major factor in his acceptance of the senior coaching role for Bendigo. The 29-year-old said he was also impressed by the debut's of Ariel Steinberg, Michael Ross, Luke Davis and Alex Browne for the VFL side last season.
“Hopefully they can all come on and get a regular senior spot. Obviously, Alex and Rossy played (senior) games last season and Ariel and Lukey played most of their games with Bendigo so hopefully they can all get a bit bigger and stronger and more game knowledge in to them this pre-season.”
Echoing coach James Hird’s sentiments earlier in the week, Skipworth said recruiting a fourth ruckman in the upcoming 2011 NAB AFL Draft was important for Bendigo.
“I am learning off them every day and they’re great coaches to have around me. It is really good to learn off the best and we certainly have a number of ‘state-of-the-art’ coaches,” he said.
“The game plan won’t change too much as I’d imagine it will be a similar sort of style. There may be a few things we tinker with but there will be nothing too drastic that changes.”
Skipworth revealed his interest in developing Essendon’s younger players was a major factor in his acceptance of the senior coaching role for Bendigo. The 29-year-old said he was also impressed by the debut's of Ariel Steinberg, Michael Ross, Luke Davis and Alex Browne for the VFL side last season.
“Hopefully they can all come on and get a regular senior spot. Obviously, Alex and Rossy played (senior) games last season and Ariel and Lukey played most of their games with Bendigo so hopefully they can all get a bit bigger and stronger and more game knowledge in to them this pre-season.”
Echoing coach James Hird’s sentiments earlier in the week, Skipworth said recruiting a fourth ruckman in the upcoming 2011 NAB AFL Draft was important for Bendigo.
“Hopefully the recruiters look after us and draft or rookie another ruckman,” Skipworth said.
“Obviously we have Paddy (Ryder), Tommy (Bellchambers) and Hille but like Hirdy said this week, we’d be hoping the recruiters can draft a ruckman for us to replace Josh Jenkins.”
