Craigieburn appoints Justin Sherman for EDFL Division 1 return

Craigieburn has secured the services of former AFL forward and Northern Knights assistant Justin Sherman for the club’s return to EDFL Division 1.

Justin Sherman during his time coaching Laurimar. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Justin Sherman is returning to senior coaching with Craigieburn.

The Eagles parted ways with 2019 premiership coach Lance Whitnall following a winless season in EDFL Premier Division.

The former Brisbane and Western Bulldogs AFL forward, spent 2021 as an assistant coach at NAB League club Northern Knights and has previously coached Laurimar (NFL) and Kyabram (GVFL).

Sherman said he was excited by the challenge at Aitken Reserve and taking charge of his own team again.

“I loved every minute at the Knights, I feel like I’ve grown and developed as a coach, and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity,” he said.

“It’s exciting, it’s good to be back in the chair again. I’m pumped.

“I think it’s a great opportunity, there’s a lot of junior teams at the club so I feel it suits my strengths as a coach.

“I want to come in and develop, mentor, nurture all the kids and help bring them through to senior footy and create a pathway for them.

“Hopefully we can bring some success to the club, it’s been quite successful in the last little bit.”

Craigieburn were relegated following the EDFL’s decision to enforce promotion and relegation despite the 2021 season being called off.

Eagles president John Perrone said the club would not have wanted to stay in the top flight regardless due to its on-field struggles.

Justin Sherman during his time coaching Laurimar. Picture: David Crosling

The club will now look to rebound in Division 1, which it did successfully in 2019, winning the premiership two years after being relegated.

Sherman will have some quality young talent to work with, including Brock Chircop, Brodie White, Jamie Gorgievski and Liam Middleton.

Re-signing the Eagles current playing group will be the new coach’s first priority before any thought of recruiting.

“They went up to Premier Division and are obviously coming back down, so I just want to show the boys my vision and from there go on a journey together,” Sherman said.

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“I’ll do that over the next week and let them know what I’m looking at doing in 2022.

“I haven’t set any expectations for the club but we’d be silly if we didn’t think we want to play finals.

“I think that’s the view we’ve got to take but to get there I’m under no illusions, I’ve got a lot of work to do and I’m looking forward to working with the boys.

“There’s no doubt we’ll look at a few pieces but at the moment we’re set on speaking to our players and knowing what my vision is.”