Lions recruits included Brennan Doody (left) and Tim Saunders (right) with coach Rod Garthwaite and captain Cooper Bennett.
In battling times for football numbers, highly respected Rod Garthwaite will coach Wahgunyah for season 2022, replacing fill-in coach Brett Skinner who is the club’s treasurer.
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For any footballer who is undecided about playing this season, Wahgunyah’s coach said, upon his appointment on March 23: “Come down and give it a go at the ‘Gunnya’, you might just love it.”
“Garthy’s an absolute revelation. His passion for the game is what we’ve been missing,” Wahgunyah Football Netball Club President Darryl Hore told The Free Press.
“Players are coming off the ground saying ‘we’re liking this’.” Garthwaite has, in fact, been taking pre season training due to other increasing time consuming commitments by Skinner.
“We have a great club facility, it’s now outstanding and we’d welcome more footballers,” the president said.
Garthwaite loves the game and has committed to the Lions for this year. The 65-year-old possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge having notched up a huge total of 630 games until 46-years-of-age, 10 clubs and four leagues.
His fondest memories were at Powelltown in the Yarra Valley Football League, being part of their only premiership team, in 1989 and claiming two best and fairest awards, 15 most consistents; was captain coach at three clubs.
The modest coach said: “When I was playing I was a big believer in being super fit to make up for my lack of ability. I carry the same attitude when I’m coaching.
“Every player who is in this side has trained as much as they could have and are 120 per cent playing for this club and jumper. Kudos to them all, my heart is with them and their efforts, they are the engine and the ship, I’m the ‘rudder’ is how I view it.”
Rod’s son Ryan, 23, is playing for South Adelaide in the SANFL this season, after 14 games with Richmond.
Reserves coach Marcel Meunier with senior coach Rod Garthwaite.
Netball amazing - president
Whilst Wahgunyah would like some more footballers, netball numbers have soared since the start of the year. “Netball is amazing,” Mr Hore said. “In January, six girls showed up.
“But the wonderful work of Lisa Byatt and daughter Katie, and Tanya Magill (A and B Grade coach) have been magnificent as we’ve gone from six girls to having every grade full.
“I wish every netballer and footballer all the best for this season and express my sincere gratitude to all our volunteers who keep this great club going.”
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