Central District names Jeff Andrews to replace Roy Laird as SANFL coach
Central District has named a Victorian to take on the daunting job of following Roy Laird’s footsteps at Elizabeth. But the well-credentialed mentor is excited to take on the challenge.
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New Central District coach Jeff Andrews admits to being a little daunted taking charge of the Bulldogs after seven-times flag winner Roy Laird held the role for 17 years.
But the chance to have a head coaching role in the SANFL at such a proud club as the Bulldogs also excites him, after two seasons as an assistant at VFL club Werribee, the second under Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams.
Andrews has been appointed Bulldogs coach for three years and will start full-time with the club in two weeks.
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“It is a new chapter for Central and I’m excited to be part of that chapter,” Andrews said. “I’ve been an assistant at state league level for the past couple of years and I wanted to coach at this level, that is the most important thing.
“There is a good feel at the club and I think we can do good things together.”
Andrews, 51, took Macedon from 10th to premiers in four seasons at the Riddell Football League club, before joining Werribee as an assistant in 2018.
His primary role was defensive coach, as well as development work. He also coached at the Calder Cannons for three seasons.
“While I worked with the defence, I also had a big emphasis on development,” Andrews said. “Having worked in the TAC Cup, I’m big on development and helping blokes achieve their goals.
“That is something I enjoy. In the past couple of years the club has not been where it wants to be, so I’m excited by the opportunity to help lift it back up.”
Andrews said he had learned plenty from Williams, who set up an AFL environment and football program at Werribee.
“From strength and conditioning to player development, I learnt a lot about building quality programs and setting standards.”
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Andrews met the Bulldogs players on Tuesday night. Pre-season work will start late this month.
The Bulldogs, hampered by injuries and draft losses in the past two years, have not played finals since being beaten by Adelaide in the elimination final in 2016.