Tara Murray
New Melton Centrals coach Damien Zanic is looking forward to the challenge of helping the Riddell District Football League club progress up the ladder.
The Centrals announced that Zanic would coach the club for the next two seasons, replacing Mathew Sproule, who stepped down from the role after two seasons in his second stint.
Zanic said it was a role that he was ready to dig his teeth into.
“The exciting thing about clubs like this, you’re in the position to work the way back up,” he said. “It’s a challenge to do it.
“From what I’ve been told about the club, it’s in a good position. I don’t expect miracles in the first year, but definitely see some improvement.”
Zanic has held a number of different coaching roles dating back more than 20 years.
He was an opposition analyst for the Brisbane Lions in the early 2000s under Leigh Matthews.
Zanic spent multiple years as a line coach at the Calder Cannons, which included two premierships.
He also had time at Lalor and was a co-coach with Daniel Nolan at Wallan among other clubs.
Zanic said he loved his time in the league and was excited to be back part of it.
He said it was an exciting time for the league.
“It speaks highly of the league when the GIsborne Giants and Melton South want to join the competition,” he said. “Players want to come and play in the league and it’s only a good thing to happen.”
Zanic said they were looking to bring in a number of players next season and would hopefully announce four or five signings in the next couple of weeks.
He said it was about topping up what they’ve got.
“We’re hoping to work on a few more the next few weeks and hopefully get a few more players across,” he said.
The Centrals have also announced the signings of recruits, Anthony Piva and Ajdin Elkasovic.
Leaders Jake Armistead, James Roberts, Jonny Ferri are the first re-signings announced.
In some good signs for Zanic he was able to come across several of his new playing group training even though it’s the off season.
“There were half a dozen or so,” he said. “They were on the track and we were able to have a bit of a chat about plans.
“Hopefully in the next few weeks we’ll have a meet the coach session.”
