AFL Outer East: Coach Andrew Fairchild in for long haul at Kinglake
ANDREW Fairchild isn’t promising quick fixes. But the new Kinglake coach is excited by the potential of a developing list as he prepares for his first senior coaching job.
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ANDREW Fairchild isn’t promising quick fixes.
But the new Kinglake coach is excited by the potential of a developing list as he prepares for his first senior coaching job.
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Fairchild, who won three premierships in the past nine years at Whittlesea in the Northern Football League, will be a playing coach at the AFL Outer East club.
While the Lakers finished eighth in AFL Yarra Ranges Division 2 this season, Fairchild said the club’s prospects in coming years were encouraging.
“Starting my coaching career with a young group, I can build it up to what I want it to be,” he said.
“They were really keen on not being happy with where they were and wanting to improve.
“That was really encouraging for me to hear that from them.”
The 31-year-old has been a senior assistant coach with Whittlesea for the past three years.
While the Eagles’ senior job was available after the departure of Jim Atkins, Fairchild said a change was best for both him and Whittlesea.
“We both agreed that it’s probably best for my career if I want to take it further to gain some outside experience. Get out of your comfort zone and do something different,” he said.
“Same as Whittlesea, really go and get an outside voice that can freshen everyone up. Everyone can start again that way.”
Kinglake has targeted more experience this off-season as it looks to make an impression in Fairchild’s first season at the helm.
“Some calm heads around them who have been and done a few things they can look up to and see what it takes to get to a certain level,” he said.
“I am aiming to get a couple of experienced blokes in, but really push the youth and the talent they have got there.
“I am really excited to work with that and see what we can achieve in the next couple of years.”
The Lakers have confirmed the signings of experienced Northern league player Rohan King and former Lalor key defender Beau Ranieri.
Fairchild said he had not arrived at Kinglake with a “magic formula”.
“It will be a grind, it will be a challenge,” he said.
“But I feel like I have got the full support of the club to be able to start slowly and build our way up.
“Really build a foundation for them to go on in the next few years.”
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