Coach Mark Stone signs contract extension to stay at Glenelg for 2019 season
MARK Stone has pledged his coaching future to Glenelg, signing a contract extension that will keep him at the SANFL club until at least the end of the 2020 season.
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MARK Stone has pledged his coaching future to Glenelg, signing a contract extension that will keep him at the SANFL club until at least the end of the 2020 season.
The former Sydney and Fremantle assistant coach, who led the Tigers to sixth in his first season in charge this year, had been due to fall out of contract at the end of next season.
But with the team ending the season on a high, winning its last six games, Stone has had a year added to his deal.
“We're really pleased that Mark has recommitted to the club,’’ Glenelg president Nick Chigwidden said.
“We saw some real improvements in the second half of this year and we are confident he is the man to take us forward.’’
Stone had a rocky start at the Bay, with Glenelg — which hasn't made the finals since 2011 — starting the season 3-9 before finishing powerfully.
Its six consecutive wins to close the season — the best record in the league — was its best run since winning seven straight matches from rounds 15 to 22, 2010.
“We had some tough times early but we finished off well and I’m really happy that the club has shown some confidence and faith in the direction that I am trying to take them,’’ Stone said after his side finished with a 9-9 record and late-season wins against premier North Adelaide and finalists Sturt and South Adelaide.
“I was looking for some security and stability for my family and I think for the club it was the same thing.
“They have had some turnover of coaches (five) in the past eight years for various reasons, some not through their own fault, so it’s a real show of stability from both parties.’’
Stone, from Wangaratta in Victoria, believes Glenelg is well placed to end its long finals drought next season.
“2018 was a growth year for the whole club, including me, but we think we learnt a lot of lessons that will make us better next year,’’ he said.
“We raised our professional and training standards and it resulted in consistently higher performances.
“We’re trying to build a list that is going to be competitive enough to play finals and hopefully go deep into the finals.’’
Glenelg already has made two key signings for next season, with key forward Liam McBean and hard-nosed defender Brad Agnew returning to the club after travelling overseas this year.
Off field, the Tigers have announced a new stadium naming rights partner, with the ACH Group replacing Gliderol.
The complex, which also houses Glenelg Cricket Club, is to be known as ACH Group Stadium.