New Modewarre co-coaches announced as Tom Hornsey and Chris Carlon

An NFL pathways coach will bring his cross-code knowledge as part of a new coaching structure at Modewarre in 2023.

Football BFL: Geelong Amateur v Modewarre Modewarre 3 Tom Hornsey kicks a goal Picture: Mark Wilson

Modewarre star Tom Hornsey believes his experience working in NFL pathways will translate to his new BFL coaching gig.

Hornsey will lead the club alongside 2022 assistant coach Chris Carlon, with the freshly-announced coaching duo to take over from the departing Chris Hickey.

The Warriors full forward, who slotted 56 goals in 17 games in 2022, said he expected his coaching experience at ProKick Australia would translate to Modewarre.

“There’s some crossover from both sports, American football is a lot more tactical in nature but there’s little things you can pick up in both,” he said.

“One thing I’ll focus on is that communication factor, being able to convey ideas and plans to the players will be really important.

“Coaching football is something I’ve always wanted to do, and I love this club so I’m really excited to be involved.

Tom Hornsey will co-lead Modewarre in 2023. Picture: Mark Wilson

“I’ve never felt more at home than I do at Modewarre, it’s the best club I’ve been at in my football journey.”

While it will be Hornsey’s first foray into senior Australian rules coaching, Carlon is set to take the hot seat for the first time since his time at St Albans.

Carlon said he was “feeling refreshed” after stepping away from the Supersaints position in 2020.

“It was a little difficult with the Covid-cancelled year, 2020 made it hard to keep coaching,” he said.

“I was happy with how I left St Albans, I felt the club was in a good place and was putting in a competitive effort, but I just felt drained at the time.

“But it’s exciting to be back in a coaching role, after a couple of years off I’m feeling refreshed.”

Chris Carlon was a co-coach at St Albans until 2020 when the season was cancelled. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Both Hornsey and Carlon were promoted to the role internally after spending 2022 helping Hickey with coaching duties.

Carlon said it made it easier to accept the role coming through the ranks.

“There hasn’t been any interruptions with accepting the coaching role, it’s been pretty much the same,” he said.

“It’s been a great response from the players that we have spoken with, the culture is great at the club and it’s something we want to keep improving on.

“While the list is in a really good space and we’re not looking to make any wholesale changes, there’s definitely going to be some changes to the style of football we play.

“I think Modewarre has looked pretty much the same for the last few years, so we’re excited about bringing our own style to the team and have a really good structure in place.”

Originally published as New Modewarre co-coaches announced as Tom Hornsey and Chris Carlon