By Tara Murray
New Western Jets boys coach Christian Stagliano is looking forward to putting his passion for teaching and coaching together at the same time.
Stagliano has been appointed the boys coach for the Coates Talent League club, replacing Trent Dennis-Lane who has returned to the AFL system.
He was a development coach at both Collingwood and the Gold Coast Suns and has coached Northern Football League sides, Banyule and Macleod.
Stagliano said the role was something he was looking forward to.
“Last night [Tuesday] night was the first night,” he said. “It was a really good start to get out of some old habits and get back into it.
“I really enjoyed it.”
Stagliano said there were a few things that attracted him to the role. Combining coaching and teaching was the main one.
“I’m a qualified teacher and I’ve worked in schools between full time football.
“In a work environment I’ve worked with school age kids who are aspiring to get further. At the same time I have a passion for footy, it was a no brainer.
“I’ve had a couple of mates at other clubs and they’ve spoken highly about the program.”
Stagliano said he had several football connections in Melbourne’s west already including at Werribee Football Club.
He said one of his main focuses was to help the players want to improve and want to get better.
While training got underway on Wednesday night, the Jets are yet to finalise their squad. That is likely to come closer to the start of the season.
Between now and then Stagliano will be busy learning the playing group.
“The next three to four weeks I’ll get across everybody and assess their performance,” he said. “In terms of expectations, I’ve only just started and getting to know each other.
“There’s some standards I’ll look to set, but I don’t want to rush into anything. We need to get to know each other.”
Stagliano said one of the biggest things for him early on was making sure they set an environment where everyone will thrive.
“I want an environment where they want to be here,” he said. “I want to make sure everyone enjoys being there and being comfortable.
“That they want to improve and be in the best position to grow.”
