By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh has got its man, appointing Tom German as senior coach for next year’s Ballarat Football League season.
Twelve months after speaking to German about being a playing assistant coach under Peter Davey, German was announced as Davey’s successor on the weekend.
German said it was exciting to come into a club in a high level league.
“We’ve been in discussion for three to four weeks about it,” he said.
“I’ve been up in Mansfield and had a business up there. Things have changed and I’m back in Melbourne.
“It’s a great club at Bacchus Marsh, with some great people and some great resources.”
While German might be stepping into a head coaching role for the first time, he brings plenty of experience with him.
German played with the Calder Cannons, before being rookied listed by Essendon. He failed to play a senior game at the Bombers but played VFL with them before playing at both Williamstown and the Northern Bullants.
He’s played local football since, most recently three years at Mansfield.
German said in the end the decision was to either stay at Mansfield or take a chance at Bacchus Marsh.
“We had a chat last year through a mutual contact as they wanted me as an assistant playing,” he said.
“I had a few playing assistant roles on the table [this year], and I guess when they brought up coaching here, it got me thinking.
“It seemed like a pretty good club.”
At 29, German will be a playing coach and is working to have a strong team behind him.
He said while he’s new to the league he has some idea what to expect.
“It’s my first gig and I have a lot to learn over the next few months.
“I’ve played against a few players in the league in the VFL. It’s a pretty strong league and looking at the results, it’s a pretty even competition as well.”
German said he would talk to a few of his contacts in the next couple of months about possibly joining him at the Cobras.
The Cobras are coming off a disappointing season, missing out on finals.
German said despite that, the club is in a good position.
“It’s a good opportunity with good resources and facilities,” he said.
“Having good people around is always the hardest part.
“I think there is already a good platform to work off.”
