North Gambier enters the 2022 Western Border Football League season with a new man at the helm, securing aspirational leader Ben Hardy as senior men’s coach.
Hardy will lead the Tigers in his second coaching role, having cut his teeth leading O’Sullivan Beach-Lonsdale in the Adelaide Footy League.
A non-playing coach, Hardy’s appointment follows an exhaustive process by the club’s recruiting committee, which includes the player leadership group.
Hardy visited the region late last month to conduct a training session with the Tigers’ playing group, which included recently-inducted club Life Member and outgoing coach Justin McConnell.
McConnell and Hardy are no strangers, having worked alongside one another while completing their SANFL Level 3 coaching accreditation.
It was here that Hardy caught the attention of both McConnell and leading SANFL coaching co-ordinator Dave Reynolds, who has subsequently supported Hardy in his role with O’Sullivan Beach-Lonsdale.
Hardy is now planning his move to the region, along with partner Brydie, to take the reins at North Gambier and make his mark over the pre-season.
“I say ‘pressure is a privilege’ and I do not take for granted how lucky I am to be at such a great club where the culture of respect and success is already so strong,” Hardy said.
“I look forward to growing that success and I am excited to get stuck in to work with the players to bring the ultimate prize to North Gambier in season 2022.”
North Gambier president David Bruhn welcomed both Ben and Brydie to the club.
“Ben is very enthusiastic and a coach whose ultimate goal is to secure a coaching position in the SANFL,” Bruhn said.
“We believe our role is the perfect stepping stone for that later in time.
“He has a strong focus on youth development and continued professionalism and development in our youth will keep us moving forward.”
Hardy’s appointment follows a number of exciting signings at Tigerland, with league stars Nick McInerney, Sam Stafford and Jake Schutz among those to commit to season 2022.
The Tigers have also welcomed key forward Cameron Ortlepp to the club, along with his partner Maddy.
Ortlepp produced four goals in a best-on-ground performance in Old Ignatians Division 2 premiership in the 2021 Adelaide Footy League season, upsetting the favoured Glenunga.
Off the field, North Gambier will host its football Annual General Meeting on Friday, December 10 at its clubrooms, starting at 5.30pm.
