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EFL 2019: Kevin Collins appointed Donvale coach

Kevin Collins will return for a second stint as senior Donvale coach next season after being appointed to take over from interim Brendan ‘Billy’ McCormack.

Kevin Collins in charge of Donvale’s under-19s in 2017. Picture: George Salpigtidis
Kevin Collins in charge of Donvale’s under-19s in 2017. Picture: George Salpigtidis

One Donvale great departs and another arrives.

Two-time Magpies premiership coach Kevin Collins has returned to the EFL Division 3 club — as senior mentor.

Collins, 60, replaces fellow Donvale icon Brendan ‘Billy’ McCormack, who served as interim coach in the second half of the year after the club parted ways with Dennet Merton midway through his first season in charge.

He coached the former powerhouse to the 1994 second-tier flag and three top-flight grand finals between 1995 and 1998, including the 1996 premiership.

Collins has more recently served as a junior coach at the club and been involved with the under-19s.

Kevin Collins coached Donvale’s under-19s to a premiership. Picture: Davis Harrigan
Kevin Collins coached Donvale’s under-19s to a premiership. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“When the opportunity came up, knowing the list — my son (Gold Coast Suns defender Sam) came through Donvale — and most of his mates still play there,” Collins said.

“There’s a number of boys there I coached from age 12 when my son played with them.

“They wanted more an experienced coach so I guess I could offer that to them.”

Donvale went into recess in 2014 and returned to win the Division 4 flag in 2017.

“I’m excited to take on the role because I think it’s a place that’s going places,” Collins said.

“They’ve built up a bit of momentum and lots of energy around the club.”

McCormack will remain as an assistant.

Collins also had a lengthy stint at VFL club Box Hill Hawks, including serving as the club’s development league coach.

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Donvale finished outside the top four on percentage with a 9-9 record.

Collins said he wanted to provide a strong environment for the club to succeed.

“We want to get the boys and the girls to be a bit more resilient, a bit more organised — not that they aren’t — but they’re the sort of skills we want,” he said.

“If you can transfer those skills onto the football field in terms of organisation, develop leadership, we believe that will hopefully get us into the finals.

“We believe we’ll play finals next year.

“Talent is one thing that is going to get us over the line, but it’s character and attitude that bring out the talent.”

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/efl-2019-kevin-collins-appointed-donvale-coach/news-story/c89751b8586b7ccb14820b884a22247f