Danny Nolan installed as Heidelberg senior coach for 2020
Heidelberg didn’t waste any time turning to a club great to take over the coaching mantle from Frank Raso, five-time premiership player Danny Nolan stepping into the top job for 2020.
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Heidelberg’s search for its new senior coach lasted just eight days.
Tigers great Danny Nolan will officially take the reins in 2020 after Frank Raso stepped down due to increasing work commitments.
Nolan was appointed interim coach following Raso’s decision and the NFL Division 1 club didn’t wait long to make the move permanent.
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A tenacious midfielder during his playing days, Nolan won five senior premierships and four best-and-fairests at Warringal Park.
The club stalwart returned this year as senior assistant to Raso.
Heidelberg president Tim Wilson said it was a simple decision.
“We’re very excited to announce Danny as our new coach,” he said.
“He’s someone who’s well regarded and respected – a decorated player – hopefully he can guide our youthful team into the future.
“He’s very popular among the players and we’re hoping Danny can lead us to a successful future.”
Nolan takes charge after the club exceeded expectations this year, finishing second and the only club to defeat Greensborough in the home-and-away season.
The stellar season saw Sam Gilmore, Lachlan Wilson, Chaz Sargeant and Jack Blair all named in the Division 1 Team of the Year.
Gilmore will return as captain after the reigning Coaches’ MVP and Blair Harvey medallist turned down VFL interest to re-sign for 2020.
Raso was in the role for two seasons after taking over from Jason Heatley and Charles Gaylard.
The former Collingwood AFL player spoke glowingly of his assistant and believed he was ready to take on the top job.
“I think Danny’s ready – you never really know until you get in the driver’s seat – but he’s had a great career, a great Heidelberg person,” he said.
“The feedback in the last 24 to 48 hours has been overwhelming from the players, they all want him to do it.”
It was the Tigers’ second coaching announcement of the day after Tony Jackson was locked in to lead the club’s senior women’s team.