THE Albury businessman banking on winning $4 billion-plus from the federal government is the major backer of Jason Akermanis coaching Ovens and Murray league club North Albury.
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Allan Endresz continues to await a judgment from the ACT Supreme Court on a $4.3 billion damages claim instigated against the government more than 10 years ago.
Akermanis works as a senior manager for Mr Endresz’s company Ezybonds. The pair met when Akermanis joined the Western Bulldogs in 2007.
Ezybonds, a global-payment processing company, was started by Mr Endresz 10 years ago and has ploughed more than $1 million sponsorship into the Bulldogs.
Mr Endresz said a debt of $390,000 that has been owing to the Bulldogs since 2008 should be paid by January.
His son Matthew plays for North Albury at under-18 level.
Mr Endresz said he had spoken to Akermanis about playing home games for North Albury before he approached the club about the Brisbane Lions triple premiership player taking the coaching job.
The Hoppers unsuccessfully targeted Yarrawonga star Craig Ednie and Norwood player Bryce Campbell before clinching a deal with Akermanis.
Mr Endresz said Akermanis had a “burning desire” to coach.
“My company Ezybonds was prepared to back it and help the club,” Mr Endresz said.
“We are an important ingredient to make it happen.”
Mr Endresz declined to comment on Akermanis’ coaching salary, but the deal could be worth more than $50,000.
Brendan Fevola was paid $5000 per game to play for Yarrawonga this season.
Under the deal announced last Friday, Melbourne-based Akermanis will take charge of the team from Thursday to match-day and assistant coach Matt McDonald at the helm early in the week.
The arrangement comes at a time when three rival clubs, including this year’s grand finalists Yarrawonga and Albury, have co-coaches.
But, Mr Endresz said he was confident Akermanis would juggle his work and football commitments and didn’t rule out him relocating his family to Albury.
“Three or four days of Jason Akermanis is worth seven days,” Mr Endresz said.
“There will be some people who will bag him, but there will also be some who will enjoy his skills on the ground.”
Another business associate of Mr Endresz, former Olympic athlete Pat Scammell, is also involved at North Albury.
Ezybonds, a sponsor of the Hoppers, has a presence in 40 countries worldwide.
“We make money moving money,” Mr Endresz said.
