JINDERA mentor Josh Walker has answered an SOS call from the Hume league hierarchy to coach its representative team.
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Walker replaces Daniel McAlister and his assistant Jamarl O’Sullivan, who were forced to withdraw last week due to family commitments on the same weekend.
The second-year Bulldogs coach loves interleague football and has represented both the Ovens and Murray and Goulburn Valley leagues.
He said he jumped at the opportunity when approached by league president Merv Wegener.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity,” Walker said.
“I’ve always been passionate about interleague football and was fortunate to play for both the O and M and Goulburn Valley leagues for about seven years and was privileged to be the vice-captain of the O & M for a couple of years as well.
“As a player I’ve always been of the opinion that you jump at any opportunity you get to play at a higher level.
“It’s the same from a coaching perspective and a great opportunity to further enhance my coaching and be involved with the best players in the competition.”
Daniel Athanitis, Andrew Wilson and Trent Ball will be selectors and deputies.
The league yesterday announced an initial 50-man squad for the May 24 showdown against Picola North-West at Tocumwal.
Former O and M players and high-profile recruits Matt McDonald, Brett Doswell and Rory Muggivan have all been named in the line-up.
The squad will have two training runs at Jindera on May 20 and 22.
The league has vowed to crack down on clubs which fail to support the new interleague concept this year.
Hume last year suffered one of its darkest representative days in history when a second-rate outfit received a humiliating 97-point slaughtering at the hands of the Tallangatta and District league.
The board has unveiled a new approach, which will see clubs obligated to ensure the availability of at least two of its most talented players.
Under-17 football will also be played, alongside senior and junior netball.
Squad — page 48
As a player I’ve always been of the opinion that you jump at any opportunity you get to play at a higher level. It’s the same from a coaching perspective and a great opportunity to further enhance my coaching and be involved with the best players in the competition. JOSH WALKER