AFL Outer-East: Dandenong VFA/VFL great Sean Millane having an impact at Doveton
The AFL Outer-East season might be on hold for now, but Doveton is ready for the step up to Premier Division with a former VFL great having a big influence.
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When football comes out on the other side of the COVID-19 lockdown, Doveton will be champing at the bit to get its step up to Premier Division rolling.
Some outstanding recruiting, almost 100 per cent list retention and a fair kickalong in momentum gathered after last season’s breakthrough premiership win has the Doves well placed for a successful return to top flight footy when the all-clear flags are waved.
And, in perhaps the biggest off-season coup for the club, it has signed Dandenong VFL legend Sean Millane as assistant coach.
“His CV speaks for itself, what he’s achieved onfield and as a coach. He’s had success coaching multiple premierships,” Doveton football director Martin Stillman said.
Millane played with Doveton senior coach Daniel Charles at Dandenong and has known Stillman, who worked at the VFL, for many years.
“We knew Sean was interested in (being involved in) footy,” Stillman said. “I just mentioned Doveton over a beer one day.
“Over a couple of beers, we had a chat and he was keen to come on board.”
Millane has been quick to make his mark at AJ Robinson Oval, heavily involved in the Doves’ pre-season prior to the COVID-19 shutdown derailing suburban footy.
“He’s done a fair bit of one-on-one coaching with our midfield group and he will be great support for Dan in the coaches’ box,” Stillman said. “He’s really enjoying the club and he’s already committed to the rest of the season, whatever that is, and he’s already committed to next year.
“When you get a person of Sean’s calibre it can only enhance a club.”
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Millane joins the Doves as a VFL 200-gamer with Dandenong and Frankston, including the 1991 premiership with the Redlegs.
He was a member of the Dandenong team of the century, captain from 1992 to 1994, Frankston best and fairest in 1996 and a VFL rep player in 1992, 96 and 97.
While his playing CV is outstanding, Millane has also carved out an impressive career with clipboard in hand.
He took Seaford to a grand final in 2000, St Paul East Bentleigh to deciders in 2003-04 and coached Lilydale in the EFL.
He’s been a development coach with the Dandenong Stingrays, a VFL midfield coach, Vic Metro assistant-coach and last year was a specialist skills coach with Collingwood’s AFLW program.
When Doveton first announced his appointment, Millane said he couldn’t wait to join Charles and Stillman in guiding the Doves through their step up to the top flight.
“I’m excited to join Doveton and work alongside good friends Charlsey and Stilly,” he said. “I observed a number of training sessions while in discussions with the club and liked what I saw. It’s a talented playing group and I’m looking forward to the season ahead and working with all the coaches to ensure we provide the best environment for the players to reach their maximum football potential.”
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