Justin George appointed new coach of Eastern Football League club Kilsyth

Kilsyth has unveiled its new coach for 2019 after outgoing mentor Paul Newlands had to step down from the role due to health issues.

New Kilsyth coach Justin George.

Justin George didn’t need to look twice for reasons to take on the Kilsyth coaching position.

The experienced mentor has been unveiled as the man to replace Paul Newlands, who stepped down from the position in October due to health reasons.

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George arrives at Pinks Reserve with a long history in coaching, most recently with Goulburn Valley league club Shepparton Swans.

The 49-year-old has served as an assistant at TAC Cup club Sandringham Dragons, Essendon District league clubs West Coburg and Maribyrnong Park and Eastern powerhouse Balwyn.

George said he was immediately struck by Kilsyth’s desire to improve.

“I came down to interview a couple of Wednesdays ago and without a coach, there was 45 guys out on the training track all wanting to work in November,” George said.

“I think that is fantastic and it just shows the depth of commitment these players have to their club.

“That’s all you ask for as a coach — a group that wants to learn and wants to improve.”

The Cougars have made just four finals appearances in the past 22 years and will compete in Division 4 of the revamped Eastern Football League in 2019.

George said Kilsyth wanted to create a pathway from junior to senior football.

“The way they’ve set the club up for success, they’ve got a really strong junior program, they’ve got a terrific facility, they’ve got a group of players that are really keen and committed,” he said.

“There is no reason not to get involved and for it to be enjoyable down there.

“Some gigs can be pretty tough if you haven’t got the support of the entire club but these guys, what really impressed me was how they were all singing from the same hymn book.

“They all had a very clear direction on where they wanted to go, right through from their Auskick to senior teams.

“It seemed like a really strong, well run club that had a clear vision on how they wanted to achieve some success.”

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