Tara Murray
West Footscray has moved quickly to appoint a new coach for the Western Region Football League division 2.
The Roosters announced on Thursday that Ian Fox would replace Shane Lucas who stood down the previous week.
Lucas had been senior coach since 2016. Under his helm the side finished outside the finals in 2019, the last season they played.
Fox, a premiership-winning reserves coach at Altona in 2018, has also been senior team assistant coach at Altona and more recently at Braybrook.
He has also coached at junior level for a number of years.
The club said in the announcement that Fox brings a deep love of footy and a long history of leadership with a strong focus on player development and pathways.
“His resume is adorned with finals results, revealing Ian’s drive for excellence, underpinned by the preparation, research and strategy of his coaching approach,” the post said.
“The West Footscray Football Club are particularly keen to leverage Ian’s experience to strengthen the talent and depth of the senior playing group for years to come.
“We look forward to seeing his strong leadership in action, as he guides our senior Roosters, and the wider club, into a new era of success.”
Fox said it was both exciting and a privilege to be given the opportunity to help grow and develop this historic club.
“I’m looking forward to the 2021 season to consolidate and build on the past five years, as we return after a year out of football due to COVID,” he said.
“There will be many challenges, but as a team – players, coaches, support staff and all associated with the West Footscray Football Club- we look forward to not only meeting those challenges, but exceeding them.”
The Roosters kick off their season on April 10, away to Newport.
