NORTH Footscray has appointed former Essendon and Geelong ruckman John Barnes as its senior coach in the Western Region Football League division 1.
The Devils completed an exhaustive interview process which concluded with the 2000 AFL premiership star signing on the dotted line.
Devils president Ashleigh Lewis is thrilled to have landed the man he feels can take the club to the next step in its top-flight existence and begin its rise up the ladder.
Lewis revealed the high-profile signing to players and supporters last Wednesday.
Barnes launched his AFL career in 1987, featuring in 12 games for Essendon before crossing to Geelong.
At the Cats, he was an integral part of a star-studded side that made it all the way to grand finals in 1994 and ’95.
But Barnes would have to wait until 13 years into his career to taste the ultimate glory, when he returned to Essendon under the guidance of Kevin Sheedy and featured in the Bombers’ 2000 grand final win over Melbourne.
He retired from the Bombers a year later after the 2001 grand final defeat to the Brisbane Lions.
Barnes has given plenty back to local football since his retirement from the big league, coaching both East Keilor and Doutta Stars in the Essendon District Football League.
Stints as ruck coach at the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood have kept the 43-year-old connected with the AFL ranks. This is his first senior coaching position in the WRFL.
Meanwhile, Deer Park has appointed former Essendon onballer Marc Bullen as its new player-coach.
The 30-year-old played in a premiership with Maribyrnong Park in the Essendon District Football League. He played 44 games and kicked nine goals in the AFL.
