Williamstown Imperials didn’t have to look far to lock in their new coach for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield.
Star all-rounder Tom Burton, who has been at the club the past two seasons, will step up into the coaching role.
He replaces his best mate Andrew Hendry, who is one of four assistant coaches who will support Burton.
Burton said he was looking forward to the new challenge.
“I can not wait to start, it will be fun,” he said. “I coached previously at Mazenod for five years there.
“I have thought about it [coaching again] but it was nice just turning up and just playing.
“As soon as they asked at the back end of last year about coaching, as soon as the seed was planted it has grown on me.
Burton said they wanted to go down a different path this season with the coaching group.
He said gone were the days of having just one coach, you needed to have a whole group to support the playing group to get the best out of them.
Matt Grose, Stan Alsop and Jack Blythman are the other assistant coaches.
“We’ve got a lot of quality at the club,” Burton said. “Andrew is my best mate and working together on this journey is going to be fun.
“We want to have a lot of fun next year and hopefully win a premiership would be good.”
Burton said the Imperials was a great place to play and playing besides the beach was always added to the joy.
He said the club had been a good place to settle down at and he was keen to have more success.
After winning the Roy Picone Shield in 2023-24, the Imperials won the minor premiership in the Steve McNamara Shield last season.
It was a disappointing end to the season as they were knocked out in the semi finals.
“We had a disappointing end in the semi finals,” he said. “We’re building a strong team united and have good team bonding.
“We want to give it another crack.”
“Hopefully we’ll build and improve. Hopefully we’ll go one or two better and win another flag.”
Burton said they were looking at adding a couple of overseas players to their list.
The Imperials said they were thrilled to have Burton as coach.
“Tom has been an integral part of our club for the past few years and now steps into the head coach role with a strong background and proven success, including multiple premierships in previous coaching tenures,” the club said.
“His leadership and experience will be key to our continued development and success.”
