LAVINGTON centreman Matt Sharp will co-coach Holbrook next season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After three years as James Saker’s understudy, Sharp will join Adrian Whitehead at the helm with Panther teammate Sam Harris and Curtis Steele his assistants.
“Coaching is something I’ve always been keen on and, after three years as an assistant at Lavington, I thought Holbrook was a really good opportunity,” Sharp, 31, said.
“I’ve had a lot to do with Holbrook people through the Lavington Cricket Club so it was pretty appealing.
“A lot of the young blokes at Holbrook have 30 or 40 games experience as well so I think things are set up really well for next season.”
Whitehead stepped aside as coach earlier this month while he works through personal issues ahead of a court appearance in November.
Sharp started his career with Violet Town before switching to Benalla in the strong Goulburn Valley Football League for six years.
The midfielder then spent three years with Belconnen.
Sharp won a best and fairest with Benalla in 2010 and was also runner-up in the Canberra club’s highest individual honour in 2012.
He then ran second to Nick Meredith in Lavington’s 2015 count.
“It was good to play at Lavi with ‘Sakes’ and Sam Harris as we’re all from Benalla,” Sharp said.
“I think the time is right to try coaching though.
“Sam Harris will be really good with his experience and hopefully we can be nice and competitive.”
Holbrook president David Morton said Sharp would help bring along Holbrook’s plethora of young players.
“We believe Matt’s going to be fantastic in regards to providing more on-field leadership in a young side,” he said.
“We’re sure he will fit into the club really well.”
Holbrook were within striking distance of the top-six with five rounds remaining this season before dropping away in the run home.
The Brookers will concentrate on recruiting former players as they attempt to return to finals for the first time since 2013.
Sharp’s signing leaves Culcairn, Howlong, Billabong Crows and Murray Magpies as the only clubs yet to finalise their positions.