Tara Murray
Warren Hackney has held just about every role at Sydenham-Hillside the last 20 years except for senior men’s coach.
But with his playing career over, Hackney put his hand up to take on the role as the club moves into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division for the first time.
Hackney said it was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“It’s an exciting time and it should be a good summer,” he said.
“I have coached a little bit of men’s at my previous club a while ago, but while I was committed to playing, it was put on the backburner.
“I gave it away last year and the body gave in. The club has come a long way and now in the highest level in the VTCA and the women’s program is developing strongly, it was an amazing opportunity that was too good to turn down.”
Hackney replaces two time premiership winning coach Geoff Pretty, who has moved on from the club.
The club advertised the role and got a number of high calibre applicants, both playing and non-playing, but decided to stick with someone from within.
“We thought we would advertise and see what we got,” he said. “Sometimes you have to back what you have in your own backyard.
“We felt this year a non-playing coach was the way to go to continue the high standards.”
“I’ve been at the club for 20 years and held every single role, about the only one I haven’t filled is this and I’m excited to have the opportunity.”
Hackney is keen to help the senior side have some success in the top grade, as well as continue to develop the young talent in the group.
After four premierships in five seasons, Hackney says nothing will change.
“It’s a new challenge and we’re looking to it with a similar approach to the last four to five years and every time we’ve won a flag and got promoted,” he said.
“It’s new territory. We all want the senior team to be competitive and not making up the numbers, as well as enjoying their cricket and developing their games.”
Hackney said they would look to make some new player signings in the coming weeks as they look to strengthen their squad.
But the existing playing group will again be prominent on the field.
“We have re-signed most of the premiership side,” he said.
“There will be a few new faces. We’ll back the bulk of the squad in, They deserve that opportunity.”
