Former Western Bulldogs star Lindsay Gilbee to coach Port Melbourne Colts

PORT Melbourne Colts have locked in former Western Bulldogs star Lindsay Gilbee as their new senior coach.

WHAT a recruiting coup for Port Melbourne Colts and the Southern Football Netball League.

The Colts have appointed former Western Bulldogs star and AFL assistant coach Lindsay Gilbee as their new senior coach.

Gilbee joins the club straight from St Kilda, where he spent five years under Alan Richardson.

His stint with the Saints included coaching Sandringham in the VFL in 2017.

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The Colts secured Gilbee despite him being pursued by more high profile VAFA and Eastern clubs.

“Really looking forward to what’s ahead,’’ Gilbee, 37, who played 206 games for the Dogs between 2001-12, said today.

“They (Colts) have been open and honest about where they’re at, and where they need to get better, and I think I can help in those areas.

“I’ll bring a wealth of experience to the club and hopefully the boys who play under me, I’ll keep it simple for them and they’re clear about what they have to do when they run out on match day.

“I’m aware they struggled a bit this year. They had quite a few injuries apparently — they played close to 50 players — but they’re looking to recruit, which is positive. They’ve got some really good people on board at the club. I’m looking to work closely with those guys and hopefully we can take the club forward.’’

Lindsay Gilbee is chaired off Etihad Stadium after playing his 200th game for the Doggies.

The Colts finished 2018 with three wins and 15 losses, settling ninth on the ladder but avoiding relegation from Division 1.

They won the Division 2 premiership in 2016 after crossing from the Western region.

Gilbee said he was eager to coach his own team again after his one season with Sandringham.

“I learned a lot in regards to managing individuals. Each individual is different. You learn a lot in that aspect. You’re in charge of everything. But I’m not an umbrella coach. I’m not one to hover over everyone. I trust everyone to do their role,’’ he said.

“I’ll have to make adjustments (going from the AFL to SFNL). My expectations will have to drop a little. I still think the basics of football are similar, irrespective of the level. You’ve got to be able to pick the ball up off the ground, handball or kick it to a teammate, win your one-on-ones when they present. Those fundamentals will never change.’’

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New Port Melbourne Colts president Stephen Duvnjak said he was chuffed Gilbee had committed to the club to “join us in the hunt to capture a Division 1 flag in the Southern league, so we can become the first club to have Division 1 flags in both Western and Southern’’.

Port Melbourne Colts president Stephen Duvnjak welcomes Lindsay Gilbee to the club.

“When I first met Lindsay I knew he would be the perfect addition to our club, being a family man and a genuine good leader,’’ he said.

“The Port Melbourne Colts Football Club is a proud organisation with a significantly rich 61-year history, strong community ties, a great bunch of players, some ruthless supporters and most importantly it’s what I believe to be the last ‘country type’ football club in the inner city of Melbourne.’’