Tara Murray
New Altona Gators men’s coach Josh Turton didn’t hesitate to put his hand up for the role when it came available.
Having been the side’s bench coach in the Big V division 2 competition last season to playing-coach Jordan Lino, Turton had a first hand look at the club.
When Lino decided not to coach on, Turton quickly put his hand up at a club that has become his second home.
“It feels great,” he said. “Since the end of last season I was sorting out where I was going to be.
“Jordie did a fantastic good and as soon as he said that he wasn’t going to coach on, I decided to go for it.
“It felt right and where I wanted to be.[Coaching director] Randy [Shanklin] was super confident I could do it.”
Turton joined the Gators last season having been part of the senior coaching set up at Hawthorn Magic, where he also works as director of coaching for the boys.
He said Altona gave him support and a place where he could continue to coach.
Turton said the response since his appointment had been really good and he had already spoken to a number of different players.
He said the core group from this season would return, including Lino, who will just focus on playing next season.
“I spoke to Jordie right after the announcement,” he said. “He’s still going to play and he will have some leadership qualities.
“He’s quite integral to the group and I don’t think he played himself enough this year. I’ve already thrown the challenge at him to get a little bit fitter.
“We’re still a fairly young group and the core group will stick together and hopefully we not just win division 2, but have more success.”
The club had a training run last season and Turton was expecting a few new faces to come down and check it out.
The Gators were knocked out in the semi finals this season, with Lino appointed just six weeks before the start of the season.
Turton said having a full pre-season will be massive for the side as they look to go even further next year.
With a couple of strong seasons behind this group, Turton said they had big expectations heading into next season.
“Going into next year, I see us as number one.”
The Gators also announced that Jason Bryant would coach the club’s youth league men’s side.
Turton said the pathway between juniors, youth league and senior basketball at the club was something he was keen to ensure was strengthened.
