DOUG Hawkins says he has no intention of allowing his entry into politics to stand in the way of his senior coaching duties with Ballarat Football League club Bacchus Marsh.
Billionaire miner Clive Palmer yesterday unveiled Hawkins and former world champion boxer Barry Michael as Victorian candidates for the Senate for his Palmer United Party.
Hawkins is in his first season at the helm of the Cobras.
“They’re going to be called the ‘Palmer Cobras’,” Hawkins joked. “He’s already bought the coach, now he’s going to buy the club.”
Hawkins said he did not think campaigning commitments for the September 14 federal election would affect his football.
“I’m hoping it doesn’t. I’m making sure I will do everything I can to get to every training session and keep developing this young group.”
He said it would not impact on match day duties.
“I’ll be there from watching the under-18s at 9.30am, right through to the seniors,” Hawkins said.
“I’m really enjoying my Bacchus Marsh stuff. The club has really grown. It’s a young group but they’re getting better.
“We’ve had some ups and downs with results, but these blokes are having a real crack … a bit like me.”
Bacchus Marsh club president Pat Mullen said he had not yet discussed with Hawkins what impact the decision to stand for the Senate might have on his commitments with the Cobras.
He said he planned to have a “chat” with Hawkins today.
Bacchus Marsh is eighth with two wins in seven matches one win outside the top six with its highlight being having former Carlton and Brisbane Lions gun full forward Brendan Fevola make a one-off appearance with it.
Fevola’s presence inspired the Cobras to get within 18 points of unbeaten reigning premier Sunbury.
– Ballarat Courier
