Former Sturt champ Fraser Evans to coach Kapunda in Barossa Light and Gawler League
Defender Fraser Evans has earned two flags, a Jack Oatey Medal and represented the state. Now the Sturt champ has taken on a new challenge. Plus, two more premiership Redlegs leave the Parade.
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Former Sturt defender Fraser Evans is to test himself as a coach after taking on the job with Kapunda in the Barossa Light and Gawler league next season.
Evans, a dual premiership player with the Double Blues and the 2017 Jack Oatey Medallist, will also take the field for this season’s wooden spooners.
The decision to accept the coaching role follows chats with past coaches as well as Port Adelaide state league manager Shane Grimm and he admits it was a case of “now or never”.
“I’ve spoken to a few people who said the Barossa league is probably the best outside the SANFL and I was still keen to challenge myself at a good level,” Evans said.
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“I spoke with a few clubs and they were keen on the player-coach option. Initially I had not been thinking that way and just wanted to focus on playing.
“But if I didn’t do it now I don’t think I ever would, so I’ll take it on and have a crack. If I’m no good, I’m no good. But I’ll put everything into it and see how it goes.”
Evans said he had met with a fantastic bunch of people at Kapunda and the club was a really good fit.
Norwood has lost another two premiership players after Alex Georgiou and Ed Smart announced their retirement from the SANFL. They join captain Jace Bode and Brady Dawe in ending their careers with the Redlegs.
Georgiou played in the triumphant 2012-13 grand finals, while Smart was a member of the 2012 and 2014 premiership sides.
Brad McKenzie capped an impressive year for the Redlegs when named club champion. Ruckman Sam Baulderstone was runner-up, with Georgiou and Lewis Johnston third.