AFL Yarra Ranges: Andrew Fairchild signs as Kinglake coach

KINGLAKE has lauded new coach Andrew Fairchild as a “perfect fit” for its developing senior group.

KINGLAKE has lauded new coach Andrew Fairchild as a “perfect fit” for its developing senior group.

The Whittlesea premiership captain has joined the AFL Outer East club after spending the past three years as a senior assistant coach in the Northern Football League.

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Fairchild, who featured in 162 games for the Eagles during the past nine years, will be a playing coach in his first season with the Lakers.

Andrew Fairchild hoists the premiership cup with Whittlesea coach Brad Dean in 2015. Picture: Josie Hayden

“He was really keen to take on a list that is young that he can build himself,” Kinglake president Clint Robinson said.

“We had the exact same thoughts from our side, that it is a young list and we wanted to find someone who has got that experience and is really good with the young guys.

“He’s going to be a perfect fit for where our list is at.”

The Lakers finished eighth in AFL Yarra Ranges Division 2 this year and are expected to feature in Division 3 of the new AFL Outer East competition in 2019.

Andrew Fairchild will be a playing coach in his first season with Kinglake. Picture: David Smith

Fairchild, who will embark on his first senior coaching job, replaces co-coaches Nathan Booker and Sam Mather.

“He’s had three years as a senior assistant at a higher level,” Robinson said.

“He’s someone we think is going to be a very good coach.

“We can hopefully give him a stepping stone to bigger and better things for him going forward too.”

Robinson said 17 players aged 23 or under played seniors for Kinglake this year, giving Fairchild a platform to build on.

“We had spoken to a few people and he has got a very good reputation,” he said.

“That was one of the things we got told a lot, he’s great with the young guys and certainly helps them learn. That was big tick for us.”

The Lakers president said Fairchild’s signing had created “a bit of a buzz” at the club.

“All we have said to him is we believe this list will improve again the year after,” he said. “Whatever we can do next year, we think we can certainly improve on the year after.”

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