EDFL: Burnside Heights appoints Cole Harvey as coach

Burnside Heights has appointed a man described as the “perfect fit” as its new coach with the decision already proving popular among supporters.

Burnside Heights couldn’t be happier with its new coach.

The Bears have appointed Cole Harvey as the new senior mentor for next season, replacing Aidan Stott who stood down from the role earlier this year.

Harvey’s appointment caps off a big few days for him personally after leading Hillside to the Essendon District Football League under 18.5 Division 1 premiership on Sunday at Windy Hill.

Previously, Harvey has worked as an assistant coach with the Calder Cannons in the NAB League and as a coach with Essendon’s Academy.

He is also a former director of football at Hillside and interleague coach for the EDFL.

His work with young lists is one of the reasons he was an attractive prospect to the Bears according to president Justin Peagram.

“At the end of the season we sat down and worked out a strategic plan of where we want to go as a footy club,” he said.

“When we sat down with Cole he ticked off all of those boxes. Our lists is in a place where we want to see it developing in the future and Cole is the right person to do that.

“He is committed to ensuring a strong pathway for our juniors, where we have significant numbers, which is another reason which stood out to the committee.

“When he has come out as an interleague coach, we’ve been really impressed with how he operates.

“He’s the perfect fit for our club.”

Burnside Heights has appointed Cole Harvey as coach. Photo: Facebook.

Burnside Heights finished fourth on the Division 2 ladder this season, earning a second finals berth in the club’s history.

They were eventually eliminated by Coburg Districts in the elimination final but Peagram is confident by what the future holds.

Importantly, they’ll return to their home ground — Burnside Recreation Reserve — in 2022 after being forced to play the entire season away from home.

Brookside Recreation Reserve had been a temporary home away from home.

“Most of the playing group will stay together next year,” Peagram said.

“We’ve already started talking to a few potential recruits to help us hopefully move up the ladder. With a coach appointed, we can now start putting a plan of attack for where we want to go as a club.

“Aidan did a terrific job and we thank him for all of his hard work. He put us in a position where we were a viable and attractive option for coaching candidates.”

Harvey’s arrival was welcomed by the club’s supporters on social media with many describing the appointment as an excellent choice.