MPNFL: Frankston VFL captain Josh Newman to coach Mornington

Newly appointed Mornington coach Josh Newman has outlined his plans to take the Bulldogs back up the MPNFL Division 2 ladder.

Josh Newman (left) and Coburg’s Peter McEvoy at a VFL season launch. Picture: David Caird

Josh Newman has vowed to “bring the love and fun back to playing footy” while driving high standards at Mornington.

The 27-year-old has signed as Mornington player-coach for the next two seasons, but hopes to be there a lot longer.

His appointment is viewed as a coup for Mornington. The Bulldogs not only get a gun player but an outstanding leader with a burning ambition to succeed as a coach.

Newman will coach in his own style and says “it’s all about building relationships”.

“If I can build strong connections with the players around me then you form that trust with them and you can have honest conversation,” he said.

“I’ll probably be more of a modern day coach in the sense that I’ll be a teacher as well, but also really supportive and positive.’’

Newman said the fun element of footy was “underestimated at times, especially at that level’’.

“People are playing because they want to be a part of something and they want to belong and they just want to enjoy themselves,’’ he said.

“So it will be about getting the balance right, making sure people are enjoying themselves but also still driving high standards and striving for success.

“That’s the approach I’ll take.”

Josh Newman in Mornington colours. Picture: Alan Dillon

Newman played juniors at Mt Martha before joining Mornington, where he played in an under-18s grand final as a bottom ager.

He went on to be a terrific player at VFL level, captaining Frankston for the past four seasons.

Newman announced his retirement from the VFL last week.

He says he’s ready to give coaching “a real crack” and says Mornington’s passion and long term vision of success enticed him back to the kennel.

“It (coaching) is something that’s come a lot quicker than I thought it would,” he said.

“I was just focusing on playing and my leadership at Frankston, working on getting the best out of myself as a player. I didn’t really think about coaching at all, really.

“It got thrust upon me the leadership stuff at Frankston initially and I found out I had some qualities and some skills that I didn’t realise I had.

“I guess I got enticed by the challenge and looking forward to getting back to my local group and making a difference.”

Newman has big shoes to fill, succeeding the legendary Simon Goosey.

Ironically, Newman and Goosey have a connection; the Goose was Newman’s first VFL coach at Frankston.

Newman said he has deep respect for Goosey and was thrilled recently when the great man reached out offering advice if needed.

Mornington president Rob Smith believes Newman’s appointment is a key moment in the clubs pursuit of success.

“Youth at the coaching level and youth at the playing level, we think we’re going to get the model right,” he said.

“Just the feeling around it is that’s it’s going to be great.

“It’s positive we’re going to get more people come back to the club to watch it. A change of strategies and away we go.”

Smith said Newman and the Bulldogs were already planning next season, including recruits and appointments.

“Oh yeah, there will be plenty of that going on,” Smith said.