Team GWS are pleased to welcome on board newly appointed Development Coach Brett Hand.
Hand joins Team GWS with an extensive history in coaching and development roles, most recently heading up the AFL program at the Northern Territory Institute of Sport (NTIS).
Hand’s work with local players through NTIS and his role coaching the Northern Territory Thunder at both the Under 18’s and Under 16’s national carnivals in 2009, will be invaluable to the Team GWS list development.
Team GWS has zoned access to players from the Northern Territory who will be draft eligible by the time of the 2011 National Draft, 2012 National Draft and 2013 National Draft.
"Given the list concessions that relate to priority access to NT players in the next few years, Team GWS will undoubtedly benefit from Brett’s recent experience in the Northern Territory," said Head Coach Kevin Sheedy.
"We are committed to bringing on the best people we can to assist us in developing this football club and Brett is someone we are very excited about working with."
"His extensive knowledge of the local talent in NT will put us in the best position to ensure we make the most of the list concessions we have been afforded, paired with his impressive work in development and coaching."
Hand said that he was excited about the move and eager get into the challenge ahead.
"I’m over the moon to be honest. The opportunity to be involved in the setting up of a new football club is just something you can’t say no to.
"Through my teaching and coaching careers I believe I’ve proven my ability to develop young men, not only with football but with life skills. I think this is going to be an important part of the challenge for us with this young list.
"I have a real love of coaching and skills development and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to be working under, with the likes of Kevin Sheedy and Alan McConnell.
"I’m just really excited to be involved with a side that will be playing in the TAC Cup, that will hopefully be successful in obtaining an AFL license."
Both AFL NT and the NTIS applauded Hand’s appointment.
"This is a great appointment not only for Brett Hand and his career, but also for Territory Football as a whole," said AFLNT CEO Tony Frawley.
"Brett’s experience coupled with his extreme professionalism has led to this appointment and we along with the NTIS are extremely proud of him."
Hand will relocate to Sydney next month to begin working with the Team GWS in February.