Local footy: Paul Barnard outlines vision for EDFL club Essendon Doutta Stars
AFL premiership player Paul Barnard reveals how he has prepared for a return to coaching at local level after taking on the top job at EDFL outfit Essendon Doutta Stars and what attracted him to his junior club.
Local Footy
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Essendon premiership player Paul Barnard has been on a “fact-finding” mission since exiting his last coaching job.
After departing an assistant role at Essendon Doutta Stars midway through 2017, he has maintained a connection to the club through its junior program.
While he was far removed from the senior ranks, Barnard has had one eye on a return to coaching.
He has prepared diligently by taking in plenty on football in rival competitions, declaring “coaches are always learning”.
The former AFL utility will be able to apply his new-found knowledge next season after being appointed Kyle Hardingham’s replacement at the Stars.
Barnard has a long history at the Essendon District Football League Premier Division club having had two stints as an assistant – under premiership teammates John Barnes and Dean Wallis – on top of being a player at senior and junior level and committeeman.
“I’ve been looking around at multiple leagues and seeing how other teams, coaches and leagues go about it,” the 47-year-old told Leader Local Footy.
“It’s been a little bit of fact-finding and discovery for me over the last 18 months.
“Hopefully that will all go well for my coaching and the group I’m now in charge of.
“Other coaches will always throw up situations and you’ll learn from that as well, so it never stops.”
Barnard has already completed an “in-depth analysis” of the list as the Stars aim to compete with the EDFL’s elite.
He said football manager Graeme Lewis had done a “power of work” to retain the club’s players as he prepares for one-on-one chats with them over zoom amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Barnard said he was hopeful his AFL connections would assist him in bolstering the list but he is also excited about the talent at his disposal.
Essendon Doutta Stars have lost Hardingham, who has decided to return home to Western Australia, while VFL-listed Bruno Laguda has crossed to East Keilor.
The club landed VFL pair Dale Marshall and Dylan Landt last off-season, while Aberfeldie premiership forward James Peters and Airport West’s Ned Gentile were other arrivals.
“One of the driving factors for me applying for the job was the group was bullish about getting me back. They were really supportive,” Barnard said.
“Our captain Jordy Rogers and Karl Brown and co have given me quite a good run down on the list.
“I’ve watched them a few times and we obviously didn’t get to see a few recruits this year. We’ve lost a few but we’re going to replace as well.
“Going forward, there’s some success around the corner if we can commit to a game style that’s competitive and gives longevity. To compete with Keilor, Abers and co – that’s essentially where we want to get to. That’s the watermark.”
Barnard praised the outgoing Hardingham, who said in July that his successor would take on a“dream job”.
After the Stars narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight in 2018, Hardingham steered them to a seventh-placed finish with five wins in what proved his first and only season at the helm.
“He’s laid some terrific foundations for the club and now it’s up to me to add a layer or two with my own signature in it but move it all in a positive direction and promote club-first principles,” Barnard said.
“Given the time now with the salary caps and the points, it’s a really important time to invest in your juniors and really spend some time on them.
“Obviously a 14-year-old in four or five years’ time comes through, he’s been coached correctly, he’s a one-pointer and he wants to stay at the club for all the right reasons.”
Barnard has also coached Craigieburn and was general manager of VFL club Box Hill Hawks.
He said he hoped to be calling the shots at the Stars for several seasons.
“I love the fact you can develop not only individuals but a collective … and putting programs in place that not only reflect the team but the club,” he said when asked why he had a passion for coaching.
“If we get that right, hopefully success isn’t too far away.
“I’ve certainly got a long-term view. I’m here for the long-term and not here for the short-term, until they tap me on the shoulder.”
Barnard’s appointment was revealed just a day after the 20-year anniversary of Essendon’s 2000 flag.
The hard-nosed Barnard booted four goals in his team’s thumping 60-point victory over Melbourne to be one of the leading performers on the ground.
“Twenty years has gone quickly. But it’s good to still be involved in footy,” he said.
“Footy’s been good to me and I’d like to give a little bit back.
“It was a very memorable achievement that we had with a group of players that were driven to succeed.
“We all remain pretty good friends and keep in contact.”
Essendon Doutta Stars will be hoping Barnard can help the club add to its collection of Premier Division titles, with the last coming in 1999.
The Stars claimed the ultimate prize in Division 1 in 2015 under Wallis.
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