EFL 2018: Steve Cochrane announced as new coach of Wantirna South

FORMER Blackburn and Vermont mentor Steve Cochrane will return to the Eastern Football League coaching ranks in 2019. Find out where he will be next year.

Steve Cochrane during his stint at Vermont. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

WANTIRNA South has pulled off a coaching coup, signing Eastern Football League interleague boss Steve Cochrane on a one-year deal.

The Devils announced on Sunday night the former Blackburn and Vermont mentor had agreed to terms at Walker Park to coach the Division 1 club in 2019.

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Cochrane led the EFL representative side this season but has not held a full-time coaching position for the past two years.

Steve Cochrane spent a season at Old Carey. Picture: Stuart Milligan

He last coached at Vermont, where he served for three years and steered the Eagles to the 2016 grand final.

He was also at the helm at Blackburn from 2009 to 2011 and coached VAFA club Old Carey in 2013.

“He was on our shortlist and we just thought we would ask and then the conversations kept going and we were pleased he said ‘yes’ to us,” president Steve Draper said.

“Obviously he wants to coach. I think the challenge of Wantirna South is appealing to him.

“He thinks there is upside in us.

“He grew up in the area and he’s got an uncle at the club.

“I think he decided getting among our playing list and having a crack at it in Division 1 presents a challenge he’s up for.”

Steve Cochrane moves the magnets in his time at Blackburn.

Cochrane replaces Jess Sinclair, who served in the role for one year but has relocated interstate.

Wantirna South logged seven wins in 2018 and has not made finals for the past two years.

Draper said the Devils aspired to reach the top tier for the first time since 2009.

“We’re aspirational, mate, we are always wanting to win,” he said.

“We have a great junior club, great talent there and really good families around these kids.

“They need the senior club to be a place they can aspire to be a part of.

“Winning flags is great but being competitive every week is really important.”

Two-time premiership player Andy Teakel has departed the club after moving to Seaford, while Jack Hare has linked up with Boronia.

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