Tears as ridiculed Aldinga Sharks footy coach proves doubters wrong at Mitchell Park
THE Adelaide footy coach famously sacked after his side lost its opening two games by a combined 457 points has turned around his new club in the most spectacular way imaginable.
- Coach sacked two games into season after back-to-back thrashings
- Shane Crawford leads lowly Aldinga Sharks to first win of 2014
- Sacked Aldinga Sharks coach leads Mitchell Park to grand fina
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THE Adelaide footy coach famously sacked after his side lost its opening two games by a combined 457 points has turned around his new club in the most spectacular way imaginable.
Mitchell Park Football Club and its coach Shane Lynch are proof a year is a long time in football.
Last season the Lions won just one game in the amateur league’s division six, had an average losing margin of 172 points and were unable to field two sides.
In April last year, Lynch made national headlines for being sacked as coach of the embattled Aldinga Sharks just two rounds into the Southern Football League season after they were thrashed by a combined 457 points.
But he has led a stunning turnaround at Mitchell Park, steering it to a fairytale division seven premiership.
The Lions beat Houghton Districts 8.7 (55) to 6.9 (45) at Thebarton Oval on Saturday.
Mitchell Park football director Wayne Wyld said Lynch had defied the doubters and been a boon for the club.
In a twist, Lynch resigned after the game because he wanted to bow out a winner but has vowed to remain at the club in an off-field role.
Assistant coach and premiership ruckman Tom Roberts will take over next season.
“It’s pretty special for Shane,” Wyld said. “He’s had a lot of knockers so it meant a lot to him.
“To win the flag was everything he wanted. A lot of people told us we shouldn’t do it (appoint Lynch).
“We knew what we were getting and knew he could coach.”
Wyld said the club’s players, coaches and supporters were elated when the final siren sounded.
“It was emotional.”
Mitchell Park started the season with a 1-5 record but Wyld said the club did not panic.
“We had a completely new playing group and completely new coaching structure so it was going to take some time for it to gel.”
Wyld said Lynch’s game plan was relatively simple — be accountable and run for your teammates.
“The players have just stuck to the task.”
Mitchell Park had kicked just 1.5 at half-time of the grand final and trailed by 17 points. But the Lions fought back in the second half to win their first A-grade flag since 2012.
“It’s good for the people,” Wyld said. “All the supporters have stuck by and they’re getting some reward for their effort.”
Amateur league chief executive John Kernahan said the league was thrilled Mitchell Park had turned its fortunes around.