Mick Downie has been appointed Melton Thoroughbreds coach on a two-year contract.
The Breds acted quickly to replace outgoing Grant Spencer, who accepted a role with division 1 rival Sunbury Jets after leading Melton to this year’s division 2 championship.
Downie has spent 15 years coaching in the Big V system and four decades involved in basketball.
He was most recently a coach in division 1 with Altona Gators and Werribee Devils and has twice been a Big V coach of the year.
Melton’s reappointed assistant coach, Julie McCallum, was a factor in Downie signing for Melton.
“I know Julie and the McCallum family really well,” Downie said.
“I have a huge amount of respect for Julie … knowing that I would have her alongside as an assistant was a major drawcard for me.
“I am really looking forward to being a part of the Melton Thoroughbreds and working with the club to have a successful season in division 1 in 2014. It’s a new environment and a new challenge for me, but one that I’m really excited about.”
