Tarrawingee and Milawa name coaches

The grand final combatants from the past two years have both turned to men from within, with the Bulldogs appointing Finton Eames and the Demons Luke Sims.

Eames replaces two-time premiership coach Mick Wilson, while Sims takes over from Mick Newton, who led Milawa to a surprise 2009 grand final triumph against the Dogs.

Eames, 29, originally from Melbourne, has accepted a one-year deal as playing coach, with Tarrawingee’s constitution stating it must advertise the position annually.

“It’s obviously a new challenge for myself,” said Eames, who shared the 2008 Baker Medal with Matt Kelly.

“I was getting to the stage where I was going to get into coaching. I thought it would be a good time now and I’ve learnt from the master (Mick Wilson).”

Bulldogs president Todd Amery said appointing former captain and 2008 club best-and-fairest winner Eames, who missed the first half of season 2010 with a snapped Achilles, was a logical choice.

“The committee thought he had been around the club for 10 years and put his hand up so it should be a smooth transition,” Amery said.

“He knows the set-up so hopefully it flows on as business as usual. We’ve got to try and retain the players that we’ve got and add to that.”

Sims, also 29, has been appointed at Milawa for two seasons, replacing Newton who was coach for three.

The small forward, who was assistant coach under Newton in the ’09 flag, will see Wangaratta surgeon Warren Seager next week for a prognosis on the knee injury that is likely to initially limit his on-field involvement.

“My first priority is to be non-playing coach,” Sims said.

“I will only play if I can contribute the way the team needs me to contribute. If there is someone I can give the opportunity to before myself then I will do that.

“I love the club and it was a great time to take over. It’s a great club and it has a lot to offer. Hopefully I can build on the fantastic work that Mick Newton has done.”

Milawa president Trevor Hourigan said the Demons were ecstatic to land the former Wangaratta Magpies, North Albury and King Valley forward.

“We are rapt to have him. He is a great fit for the club and to have someone appointed so quickly after the season is fantastic,” Hourigan said.

“He applied and we were very happy that he did.

“His footy credentials are just damn good.

“He played for Collingwood reserves and won a TAC Cup club best-and-fairest and obviously played for North Albury and Wangaratta.”

Hourigan also confirmed Steve Williamson was staying on as an assistant coach.