Mick Gerada was looking forward to the challenge of being an assistant coach for Caroline Springs women’s side this season.
Having been part of the under-18 coaching set up the past couple of seasons, he was stepping up as the Lakers top side makes the move to the Essendon District Football League premier competition.
When coach Alex O’Shea decided to step down in December, she suggested that Gerada take on the role.
With the support of O’Shea and the committee, he jumped at the chance.
“It’s big shoes to fill,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for what Dean Ellis and Alex O’Shea have done and I now take over.
“It’s really exciting and it’s a big opportunity and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
“I want to thank Alex for her support and it’s really important for me taking on the role to have that support and guidance.”
Having come off six straight grand finals and winning the Western Football League women’s premiership, Gerada is working within into a strong program.
It’s not just the women’s side that excited him, but also the next generation in the under-16s and now under-19 team.
“We have a strong senior program,” he said. “I’ve been involved with the under-16s and under-18s program the last few years and seen that growth.
“We’ve won the last two flags [in the under-18s].”
Having been part of the under-18 coaching panel, Gerada isn’t a complete stranger to the EDFL competition but it would still present a challenge.
He said the playing group was excited for the new challenge ahead of them.
“We’ve been a really strong club and we’re going into a new competition and see how we fair up,” he said.
“There’s some amazing sides in the league and there’s been some amazing clubs in the Western Football League.
“It will be a real challenge.”
Gerada said they were actively recruiting but their main focus would be to look from within the club.
He said they already had a strong squad and there would be opportunity for others to step up into the senior program.
“There’s some girls who are coming up that are really strong,” he said.
“With it now going to an under-19 competition it means some of the girls have another year in under-19s which is exciting for them.
“There’s a number of girls at the Western Jets and in the futures program. It’s very exciting for the club.”
“We will play some of them throughout the year.”
The Lakers will start their season on 11 April against Greenvale.
