Noarlunga likely to lose two-times Mail Medallist Nick Mott to rival football league
A Southern Football League powerhouse is set to be without a club icon and history maker for the 2020 season.
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Noarlunga Football Club is facing a blow to its 2020 Southern Football League hopes with the likely loss of back-to-back Mail Medallist Nicholas Mott.
Mott, 26, informed the club last week that he would be lining up with Mount Compass which plays in the Great Southern Football League.
Another key player for the Shoes, Sammual Miller, also is considering a move to Padthaway which competes in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League.
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Mott had another break out season with the Shoes to win his second Mail Medal, emulating the feat of his father Jerry Mott who won back-to-back SFL medals in 1989/90.
Noarlunga club president Mark Anderson said Mott’s loss was disappointing.
“What can we do,’’ Anderson said.
“Nick is a life member, member of the senior leadership, club best and fairest and league dual medallist.
“We can’t compete with some clubs when it comes to money.
Nick is just a three pointer (SANFL points system) so that makes it easier for clubs to fit players like that under the their points.
“With the loss in the grand final we would have hoped that would have pushed players to want to go that next step with us.
“There goes a chance for SFL history for Nick with a chance to win three medals in a row.
“We aren’t sure about what Sam is doing next year but he is considering going to Padthaway.’’
Mott was unavailable for comment.
Former South Adelaide on-baller Josh Thewlis takes over ex-mentor Barry Pilmore as coach of the Shoes for 2020.
Pilmore stepped down after Noarlunga’s grand final loss to Flagstaff Hill.
Thewlis, said he was looking forward to leading the club even with a couple of challenges ahead.
“I learned a lot from (South Adelaide coach) Jarrad Wright when he was at Henley and then followed him to South,’’ Thewlis said.
“Jarrad’s an exceptional coach. I’m looking forward to having my own team and stamping my own brand on it.
“From what I can see of the league (SFL) the top sides are very strong but the depth drops right off. It would be good to get players coming into the league to improve the standard.
“Even without a couple of players from last year, if that happens, I feel we (Shoes) are on the verge of something good.’’
Meanwhile, Pilmore was recognised by the SANFL, among other coaches, for his outstanding and long service to community coaching at a special awards’ night for metro and country volunteers.