Glenelg premiership coach Mark Stone to coach Croweaters side against Western Australia in 2020
Mark Stone showed his coaching ability when he took Glenelg to its first flag in 33 years. Now, he will lead the SANFL side for its match against Western Australia next season.
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Mark Stone has been named state coach in further recognition for masterminding Glenelg’s first premiership triumph in 33 years.
A former assistant with West Coast, Sydney and Fremantle, Stone will take charge of the SANFL side for the clash against the WAFL at Adelaide Oval on May 9.
The state contest will follow the AFL battle between Adelaide and Fremantle.
Stone has replaced Josh Carr in the role after the former Roosters coach, who was in control this year when the SANFL conquered the WAFL in Perth, returned to the Dockers as an assistant.
In just his second season with the Tigers, Stone proved his coaching talents when he took the club to its first flag since 1986.
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“It is an honour to be coaching the state team, a privilege to get this opportunity,” Stone said. “I’m not sure how Josh went about it this year, but he was obviously successful and we are looking to emulate that.
“We don’t want them coming over here and knocking us off on our deck.”
Stone said the key was to separate his work at the Tigers with his new role as state coach, and not let either be a distraction.
“What I’m doing with Glenelg can’t affect what I am doing with the state team, I have to keep them in separate boxes,” Stone said.
“If they start to overlap, one will affect the other.
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“It is possible to keep the two separate and enjoy both.
“Meeting new guys, players and coaches from other clubs, as well as administrators, I’ll enjoy that.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know people around the competition who you cross paths with, but don’t get the opportunity to talk to.”
Stone said he had no issue working with players from other clubs, saying they all had a common goal and that was to the beat the current arch enemy.
While the VFL has turned its back on state football, the SANFL and WAFL are keen to continue their rivalry.
The WAFL beat the SANFL by 26 points at Adelaide Oval in 2018.