Brighton secures Adelaide Footy League premiership coach Brett Backwell for 2021
After falling short of success this season, the Brighton Bombers lured a Magarey Medallist and Adelaide Footy League premiership mentor as their new coach for 2021.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Brett Backwell says he is ready to help a new club earn the ultimate success after having a year off football.
The 2006 Magarey Medallist was announced as Brighton’s new coach for its 2021 Adelaide Footy League division one campaign after former mentor Joel Tucker stepped down.
Backwell, who parted ways with top tier powerhouse Prince Alfred Old Collegians in 2019 after three seasons at the helm, spent this year away from coaching.
But the 40-year-old former Glenelg and Carlton midfielder said he was “super keen” to make a return.
“All that happened with COVID and everything it (having a year off) was a blessing,” Backwell, who played 18 AFL games for Carlton, said.
“I’ve got two young girls that are five and six so it was just a good opportunity to spend some time with them
“But being appointed the role with Brighton is pretty exciting.
“It was a good fit, it’s close to home and is a great community footy club.
“I think it’s a really strong list that we can take to the next step and do some damage with.”
During his stint with the Old Reds, Backwell led the side to a flag (2016) and a grand final appearance (2019).
He was looking forward to coming up against his old side next season and hoped to get a win.
“I’ve built some really strong relationships there — that was my first A grade premiership so it will always be a part of me and hopefully I’m always a part of (the club),” he said.
“I respect their footy club and they are a well-run club with some really genuine people involved.
“But in saying that, I can’t wait to beat them.”
Brighton meanwhile, finished this past season fifth with a 6-3 record, only to be knocked out in the elimination final, after losing to Rostrevor Old Collegians.
Backwell said the side was talented and believed a premiership was not far off.
“They (Brighton) sat top of div one for most of this year, although it was a short year,” Backwell said.
“They’ve clearly got some serious talent.
“If we can top up around that and get some of their past players back who may have stepped away from the club to really build that base and put some structures around that we should be able to turn things around pretty quickly and push for a premiership.”