WODONGA Raiders last night confirmed Sydney Swans great Daryn Cresswell had been appointed as coach for the next three seasons.
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And in a huge boost to the club’s on-field fortunes, Cresswell has wasted little time in securing a high-profile recruit, with former Western Bulldogs player Brodie Moles committing to play at Birallee Park.
Midfielder Moles played 17 AFL games before linking up with Cresswell in Tasmania.
Wodonga Raiders president Nic Conway said Cresswell would relocate to the Border when his coaching commitments with Queensland club Palm Beach-Currumbin were complete.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Daryn and Brodie on board,” he said.
“His experience is going to be fantastic for our younger players in particular.
“Daryn has been fantastic in our dealings with him and these appointments will give us a real launching pad into next season.”
Cresswell informed his Palm Beach-Currumbin players of the decision at training last night, with club secretary Anne Cornish saying his contribution had been enormous.
Cresswell guided the Lions to last year’s flag and has it in the mix for more glory this season with former Wodonga Raiders star Todd Bryant a key member of the team.
“We understand it’s an opportunity for him and it’s a higher level of football,” Cornish said.
“There was probably a show of tears on both sides when he told us.
“He’s got a great passion for Palm Beach and vice versa.”
Cresswell said opportunities to expand his landscaping business and family reasons were also factors behind his decision.
“It wasn’t just a footy reason,” he said.
“It was a good opportunity for my business as well and it’s a chance to be closer to my kids who are in Tasmania.”
Moles, 28, failed to crack a game with Geelong before joining the Western Bulldogs and debuting in 2010.