Brett Skinner appointed coach of Wahgunyah for a second time

Skinner was recently appointed coach after previously leading the Lions in 2016-17.

The Lions finished second in 2017 before being bundled out of the finals series in straight sets.

There had been speculation over the off-season that Wahgunyah was seriously contemplating its merger options.

The speculation was fuelled by the rumoured departure of up to a dozen players and the club struggling to find an immediate replacement for outgoing coach Kodee Lowe.

Skinner admitted he had heard the rumours which he dismissed as 'external noise.'

"There has been a lot of conjecture and talk over the off-season so far where the future of the club is at," Skinner said.

"But I can assure you that's just all external noise.

"Internally we are quite happy where we sit and personally I'm excited by what we can achieve in 2022 to tell you the truth."

The signing of Skinner as coach has had an immediate impact.

Jacob Beveridge, Lachie McGill, Deakin Clancy, Lachie Conboy and Adam Romey had committed to Corowa-Rutherglen for next season.

But Lachie Conboy and Lachlan McGill recently backflipped on their decision and will remain with the Lions.

In a further bonus best and fairest winner Kodee Lowe has also committed again after being heavily targeted by several district league clubs.

"A handful of players joined Corowa through that uncertain period when the club didn't have a coach," Skinner said.

"But we have now been able to get a few of them back.

"I think they left solely because they didn't know what the coaching situation was.

"You talk to most clubs and after having two seasons cruelled by COVID, it's been difficult to find a coach.

"So despite the rumours we have primarily kept our list intact.

"Kodee has also committed which is huge for us and he has done a fantastic job as coach for the past three years.

"He has been appointed as a playing assistant coach which is a great result."

Since stepping down as coach in 2017, Skinner has remained heavily involved.

He took 2018 off to recharge the batteries before having a two year stint as president and served on the committee this year.

ALSO IN SPORT

Skinner felt he would prove to be a more accomplished coach the second time around.

"It's going to be different this time around as I'm a bit older and a bit more mature," he said.

"In saying that, I will also have a different group that I will be coaching.

"Last time we had a much more experienced group that played finals.

"This time it's a different list but one I'm excited to be taking charge of."

Skinner's appointment completes the coaching jigsaw puzzle in the Tallangatta and district league.

Jack Neil (Kiewa-Sandy Creek), Kade Butters (Barnawartha), Tim Kennedy (Tallangatta), Luke Hodgkin (Mitta United) and Tom Cartledge (Beechworth) will all join the coaching ranks next year.

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