Crib Point appoints young coach Nathan Johns as it sets about climbing back up the ladder

WITH boundless energy and a head full of ideas, 25-year-old Nathan Johns was bursting to launch his senior coaching career — all he needed was an opportunity.

Newly appointed Crib Point coach Nathan Johns.

WITH boundless energy and a head full of ideas, 25-year-old Nathan Johns was bursting to launch his senior coaching career — all he needed was an opportunity.

It came last week when Crib Point appointed him for three years — enabling a young Magpies list, and their coach, to grow together.

“This is my first outright senior gig and I’m really looking forward to it,” Johns said.

“I’ve completed my Level 2 coaching course and at 25 years of age I don’t think there are many who’ve done that. I’m ready to go, ready to have a crack. I just needed someone to take a punt on me and Crib Point have and now I want let my footy do the talking.”

Johns will be a non-playing coach — his promising playing career was cut short after three knee reconstructions in his teenage years.

To get his “footy fix”, Johns moved into coaching and boasts seven years of experience, including stints as senior assistant at East Burwood as well as coaching St Kilda City Under19s to back-to-back premierships.

He’s also had roles at the Dandenong Stingrays and at Casey Scorpions, where he spent time this year watching “how they did things”.

“That has been massive for my development,” he said.

Johns’ Casey connection has already paid off, with exciting young Scorpion forward Mykelti Lefau (196cm, 95kg) signing with Crib Point.

Mykelti Lefau, pictured at the 2017 AFL New Zealand National Combine in April, has joined Crib Point.

Johns said he’s eager to roll up his sleeves and get to work at Crib Point.

“It’s an exciting young list,’’ he said.

“I want to create a team-first mentality, get the group together, get them to gel, create a winning feeling around the club and, mate, who knows what can happen in 2018.’’

Crib Point president Stephen Espenschied said Johns got the nod over five other applicants.

“He’s got a good pedigree and he’s well connected. He brings a lot of enthusiasm to the club.

He’s a pretty switched on guy,” he said.

Johns said he’s ready to put in the hard work at Cribby.

“I really look forward to the challenge that’s been laid for us and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do with the group,’’ he said.

“As a coach I want to develop them not only as footballers but make them better people and I like to think I can do that with everything I will put in place.’’

Crib Point club life member Jared Newton has been appointed coach of the reserves, while club great Andrew Wisken will continue to coach the Under 19s.