NORTH Albury coach Jason Akermanis has offered former AFL big man Josh Fraser an assistant-coaching role at Bunton Park next season.
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Akermanis yesterday said he had spoken to Fraser about entering the coaching ranks through the Ovens and Murray with the former Collingwood and Gold Coast player likely to make a decision on his future in coming weeks.
Fraser recently knocked back an offer from Murray league club Tocumwal.
“I have spoken to him and he’s got a lot to decide,” Akermanis said.
“I would have him assistant-coaching and it would be a good stepping stone for him if he wanted to go to the AFL.
“He’s living in Melbourne like me so he’s got to weigh it up.”
It is believed Fraser is also considering a return to home club Mansfield where he started his career before joining the Murray Bushrangers.
The ruckman was drafted from the TAC Cup with selection No. 1 in the 1999 national draft and went on to play 218 matches with Collingwood and Gold Coast before retiring in August.
Former North Albury sharp-shooter Damian Cupido is also on North Albury’s recruiting radar.
The left-footer kicked 75 goals in the opening nine matches of the season for Southern Districts in the Northern Territory Football League.
Akermanis has rarely missed a training session since signing with the Hoppers with the Brownlow medallist’s profile drawing good numbers.
“It’s going all right,” he said.
“We have a lot of work to do and the boys have a lot to learn but we will go from one step to another step and hopefully by the end of it we will be OK.”