EDFL: Dean Young appointed as Glenroy senior coach

New Glenroy coach Dean Young has hit back at doubters declaring the club is “travelling really well” as they prepare to hit the reset button in 2023.

Glenroy president Murray Nilsson with new senior coach Dean Young. Photo: Facebook.

Dean Young is excited about the future at Glenroy.

Less than 48 hours after he was announced as the Essendon District Football League club’s new coach, Young is already hitting back at the critics ahead of the 2023 season.

As the Roys hunt for Ross Terranova’s replacement continued over a prolonged period, rumours swirled about the club’s lack of numbers at training.

But Young has been front and centre of pre-season training, running sessions before he was officially appointed into the role.

“It’s all rubbish, we’re travelling really well,” he said in response to the rumours.

“At this time of year a lot of guys are caught up at work and footy isn’t their main priority. It’s a similar situation at all clubs.

“The club is in a good position at the moment. Yes, we’ve lost some players, but we’ve got guys who are going to step up and fill those roles.

“We’re still talking to a few players as well, there’s a lot of time between now and the start of the season. Next year is a good opportunity for the club to reset without the interruptions and challenges we’ve had in the past couple of years.

“Training has been fantastic so far, there’s a really good feeling around the place heading into Christmas.

“We’re going to be more than competitive next season.”

The Roys will play in the new look Division 1 next season with 12 teams set to battle it out after Deer Park and St Albans made the move to the EDFL.

Glenroy was relegated from the competition’s top tier with just one win to its name during the 2022 season which was cruelled by injury,

But in one of the most important moves yet, the Roys announced the re-signing of captain Tanner Nilsson earlier this year.

“It’s really important to get Tanner re-signed but he’s not the only one,” Young said.

Young says he is “almost part of the furniture” at Glenroy having spent almost 15 years of his playing career with the club.

Since retiring he has coached junior footy and spent five years as a senior assistant.

Three of those were with the Sunbury Kangaroos and the last two at Glenroy.

“I always wanted to be a senior coach and now I’ve got a fantastic opportunity,” he said.

“I’m thankful to the club for giving me this chance.”

Glenroy faces an interesting test in Round 1 against St Albans.

The 2023 EDFL fixture was released earlier this week.