Sturt names Nathan Grima as its coach to replace Marty Mattner
STURT has announced Central District premiership player and former Kangaroo Nathan Grima as the replacement for Marty Mattner, who took the Double Blues to two flags in three years before joining Adelaide for 2019.
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CENTRAL District premiership player Nathan Grima is to return to the SANFL next season after being appointed Sturt’s next coach.
Grima replaces highly successful Marty Mattner, who stood down after three years in the role to accept an assistant’s job with Adelaide.
Double Blues president Jason Kilic said the panel given the responsibility of finding the new coach had no hesitation in offering Grima, aged just 33, the role.
“I am grateful to be appointed to such an important position by Sturt,” Grima said. “Winning a premiership in the SANFL is still one of the best days of my life.
“The by-product of that success in this league enabled me to get drafted and enjoy, albeit an injury prone, AFL career. Eleven years later, to now be back involved and able to have the impact and influence on like minded players to where I saw myself, is humbling and exciting.
“My initial focus is to build relationships with all our players, staff and assistant coaches. I plan to get straight to work on list management, recruiting and preparation for the pre-season.”
Grima was a member of the 2007 Bulldogs’ premiership side before being rookie-listed with North Melbourne in 2008.
The versatile defender was promoted to the Kangaroos’ senior list before the start of the 2009 season and played 86 games before retiring in July, 2015, because of back issues.
After signing with Essendon in 2016 as a top up player, he appeared in two games for the Bombers.
Grima coached Strathmore in the strong Essendon District Football League this season and took the club to third, losing to Keilor by just two points in the preliminary final.
The Doubles Blues won the flag in Mattner’s first two seasons and were beaten by eventual premier North Adelaide in the first semi-final this year after being hard hit by injuries.
Kilic said the Double Blues were extremely impressed with Grima during the interview process and were confident he will continue the success the club has enjoyed in the past few seasons.
Double Blues football manager Chris Trapp said Grima was an exceptional candidate who presented very well and displayed great enthusiasm for the role.
“Our search was thorough with some very experienced candidates,” Trapp said. “However, Grima stood out, possessing an astute football mind and strong personal values.”
Woodville-West Torrens is still searching for a coach following Michael Godden’s decision to also join the Crows.