Harper Sercombe
Former Carlton player Dennis Armfield has been appointed Bacchus Marsh’s coach for next year’s Ballarat Football League season.
The Cobras announced that Armfield would be the man to replace Jason Williams after he got an assistant coaching role with Port Adelaide.
Armfield played 145 games at the Blues, kicking 75 goals in his career that spanned from 2008- 2017.
Since retiring from the AFL Armfield has done some work with North Melbourne’s AFLW program and coached at Park Orchads in the Eastern Football League for the previous four seasons.
“It’s a huge honour to represent any football club,” he said.
“I’ve been a part of metro leagues for the past five or six years, to experience something different is exciting in a pretty powerful and strong competition.
“My values in life are connection, love and growth and I think I get to experience all three of those at Bacchus Marsh.
“We’ve got such a young list of great young talent, surrounded by a couple of oldies and hopefully I can be another oldie that can share some wisdom to these young kids and drive them to the next stage.”
Although the Cobras only won six matches this year, finishing in eighth position, winning their last four matches and putting up a fight against the eventual premiers, losing by just 12 points.
“I don’t want to put a limit on what we can and can’t do,” he said.
“How they finished off the year was strong, I think if they come back, willing to put some extra work in, and I think the finish of the year shows that they are eager to do that.
“With youth, growth can be quite rapid, but if it’s done in the right way, I think with myself and the people at Bacchus Marsh around me can ultimately invest in these young kids.
“But also I don’t want to forget the senior boys, I’m 36 and if I were to play I still hope I can add value, develop a new trick or a new skill.
“It’s a very exciting club, it’s a very exciting time and I’m very honoured to be in charge.”
Armfield is no guarantee to lace on the boots next season, although he wants to it will be determined on how his body is, and how the list is shaping.
“I want to make sure that I’m not hindering or halting any young talent’s development,” he said.
During Armfield’s time at the Blues he was coached by four coaches including AFL Hall of Famer Mick Malthouse.
“I’ve had some great coaches that have taught me good and bad things that I’ve resonated with and also disliked, as I’m sure I’m doing the same for some young kids,” Armfield said.
“But as local footballers we are people first, workers second and we are local footballers third, so for me it’s about getting these kids to buy in and be committed for the little time we do have them together.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
