Andrew Beever makes key signings as Hadfield’s new coach

New Hadfield coach Andrew Beever has hit the ground running at the Hawks with several impressive signings including some to bolster the key position stocks. Go inside his arrival.

Nicholas Gooch has joined Hadfield. Picture Glenn Campbell

 

New Hadfield coach Andrew Beever almost can’t contain his excitement.

Still weeks out from the start of pre-season, Beever can’t speak any higher of walking into a new environment at the Essendon District league club.

Beever has made the move from VAFA outfit PEGS and believes he can’t have left his former club in a “better way”.

But now he’s determined to help guide the Hawks up the ladder after a sixth-place finish in season 2024.

“Adam and Rhys Contessa are two of my closest mates and they said the club was going to give me a call. As soon as Michael Pell (a committee member) called me, it was just a great conversation,” Beever said.

“I could hear the passion in his voice and with ex-juniors going back, they’re really trying to build the club. He sent me across the playing list with descriptions on every player and I looked at it and thought ‘this is a team, a club capable of doing anything.

“I went to do the interview and it was just a real comfortable environment. The under-16s were having their presentation night, I was being introduced to everyone and I thought it was going to be something I want to be involved in.

“From the moment I got the job, I’ve been on the phone to the majority of the players, you just hear it, these guys are hungry, they’re ready to go.”

Nathan Johnson. Photo: Josh Chadwick.

Beever feels the playing list is in a strong position from last season with just a couple of consistent senior players departing.

But the reinforcements have arrived in force.

Versatile tall Chris Gooch, left-footed halfback Daniel Simpson, and midfielder turn forward Michael Graham are among a trio with EDFL Premier Division and Northern Territory Football League experience.

Key forward Nathan Johnson crosses from Albanvale while impressive defender John Lindon has moved from local rivals Coburg Districts.

Nathan Sciberras is on board from East Sunbury while Nick Markovski joins after time away from footy.

The club is confident the moves helped to fill gaps in its senior side from 2024.

“It all just needs to come together,” Beever said.

“I think that’s probably what was happening, you saw what happened later in the year, they beat Westmeadows who played in a grand final.

“There’s a lot to work with which is pretty exciting for us. Josh Trembearth finished second in a league medal. Guys like Sam Godden, Jake Polizzi, Jack Wallace and Rhys Gleisner have played high levels of footy.

“I’m a big believer in the number one relationship being between player and coach, captain and coach. I’ve been speaking to Potts (Ryan Potter) a lot, he’s really excited.”

Beever also will have plenty of young talent to weave into the senior side with the under-18s taking out the division two premiership.

“These are our most important recruits,” he said.

“One of my responsibilities along with the under-18s coach is developing these guys. When you come back in 10 years time, there’s not many senior coaches around for that long, I’d love to be able to say these young guys have built our club to go up a level.”

Note: The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.