EDFL 2018: Matthew Horne appointed coach of Strathmore for 2019

Strathmore has found its replacement for the departing Nathan Gima, appointing a familiar face as coach for 2019.

Matthew Horne will steer Strathmore in 2019. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Horne name is synonymous with Strathmore.

Andrew is one of the Essendon’s District Football League Premier Division club’s most decorated players, while Michael is secretary at the Mores.

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Now Matthew Horne has been appointed coach for 2019, replacing Nathan Grima, who has moved to live in Adelaide after two seasons at the helm.

Horne is untried as a senior coach but has worked under ex-North Melbourne and Essendon defender Grima for the past two seasons.

The 28-year-old said taking over the top job was a “great opportunity” after Strathmore progressed to the preliminary final this year while blooding six under-19 players.

Matthew Horne will steer Strathmore in 2019. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“I’ve got strong belief in my ability, plus what I believe in and what I stand for,” Horne said.

“I feel like I can continue on what we’ve put in place the last two years and put a couple of extra layers on to that. That’s the plan at this stage.”

Along with Grima, the Mores will lose retiring former AFL pair Hamish McIntosh and Nick Lower.

They were 2-3 this season before finishing the home-and-away rounds in third position with a 13-5 record.

Strathmore crushed Greenvale in the elimination final before coughing up a 44-point lead at three-quarter-time against Keilor and going down by two points in a soul-destroying defeat the following week.

“We won’t be changing too much,” Horne said.

“We obviously got to a prelim this year and (lost) in not great circumstances, but I think the style and the group is ready to take the next step, so hopefully we can build on that.”

Kyle Weightman is one of Strathmore’s young guns. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Tom Condon, who bagged 40 goals this season, gun defender Luke Jarrad and star midfielder Adam Iaccobucci were named in the EDFL Premier Division Team of the Year.

Teenagers Lachlan Currie, Kyle Weightman and Ben Holian featured in the finals, indicating a bright future for the Mores.

“All three of them played prominent throughout the finals,” Horne said.

“Ben Holian started midfield, Lachlan Currie played as a key position the last 15 weeks and pretty much didn’t get his colours lowered and Kyle Weightman is a really promising small forward.

“The club’s in a great position from that point of view and hopefully we can build on what Nathan’s put in place.”

Nigel Hill is set to be Horne’s senior assistant coach next season, while Nick O’Brien will be a playing assistant.