RUTHERGLEN has appointed Karl Jacka as non-playing coach for the next two seasons.
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Jacka coached Wodonga Raiders reserves this season and was set to remain at Birallee Park as an assistant coach under Daryn Cresswell before signing with the Cats late last week.
He replaces Dallas Gallagher, who led Rutherglen to eighth spot with a 6-12 record in his only season at the helm.
“It’s fair to say it’s all happened really quickly,” Jacka said.
“I had been helping the Raiders with their pre-season in my role as assistant coach.
“But (there have been) a few significant changes on the personal front and with the Rutherglen job available I had a change of heart.
“From my point of view and somebody that loves footy and loves coaching, I feel pretty fortunate to be coaching Rutherglen for the next two years.”
Jacka played at Lavington, Henty and Balranald before joining Howlong in 2010 and playing in the Spiders’ most recent flag under coach Marc Almond.
He coached Balranald for two seasons from 2008 and led the club to a flag in his final year.
Jacka also coached Howlong for one season in 2013.
Despite being well behind the eight-ball on the recruiting front, Jacka is confident of landing several quality recruits before the Cats’ season opener against Wahgunyah.
“I’ve already met with a dozen potential recruits since signing on Thursday and things are looking promising,” he said.
“They had only four players in the seniors last season that didn’t play juniors at the club.
“It’s amazing the club has got to this time of year and hadn’t appointed a coach (yet) hasn’t got any confirmed departures.
“Obviously from a club point of view they must be doing something right.
“There are some talented kids coming through the ranks with the thirds losing the grand final two years ago, and we can improve if we are able to land a few wise heads to complement them.”
Jacka is the final piece in the Tallangatta league coaching puzzle, with half the 12 clubs securing new coaches.
Peter Copley (Thurgoona), Trent and Callum Turner (Kiewa-Sandy Creek), Mark Doolan (Chiltern), Scott Montgomery (Wodonga Saints) and Nic Barnes (Beechworth) will be all new faces.
It’s fair to say it’s all happened really quickly ... From my point of view and somebody that loves footy and loves coaching, I feel pretty fortunate to be coaching Rutherglen for the next two years. KARL JACKA
