Myrtleford has signed the youngest coach in its 68-year history.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Favourite son Jake Sharp has inked a three-year deal after five seasons with VFL outfit Werribee.
He turns 24 in January, surpassing Terry Burgess, who was 24 years and eight months when he led the club for the first time in 1986.
Ironically, the club junior takes over from co-coaches Burgess and Tim Looby.
“The age factor doesn’t worry or play on me, I feel like I’ve had five solid years under Johnny (Werribee coach John Lamont) that will hold me in good stead,” Sharp said.
The midfielder has spent the past three years in the Tigers’ leadership group and has played 34 games in the past four years, with 2015 and 2016 decimated by injury.
“I had a knee reco in 2015 and broke my leg and tore lateral ligaments in the same injury the following year,” he said.
“But the last two years I’ve had a good run, although I broke my finger this year which put me out for a few games.
“My girlfriend and I are looking to move into a different part of our lives, I want to move back to the country, I love the country living.
“I’ve always wanted to coach, I feel like I’m motivated to do it now.”
The Saints had a disappointing season, posting only four wins, but, despite that, Sharp’s arrival has the club buzzing.
“He brings a strong coach and work ethic and we’re really excited to have him coming on board,” president Michael Quirk said.
I’ve always wanted to coach, I feel like I’m motivated to do it now.
- Jake Sharp
“What he’ll bring, apart from his ball-winning abilities, is just his decision making and ability to control situations, he always makes the right decisions.”
