MPNFL: Hastings appoints Gav Artico as senior coach

Hastings has appointed a two-time MPNFL premiership coach for 2023. And he’s declared: “let’s build’’.

Gavin Artico (right) lifts the 2013 premiership cup as coach of Dromana.

An approach was made.

The fire in the belly was still burning.

And before he knew it, Gav Artico was back as a senior coach, appointed at Hastings.

That, in a nut shell, was how the former Langwarrin and Dromana premiership coach came to signing on Wednesday with the Blues for the next two seasons.

“The guys at Hastings reached out and said, ‘we want to talk to you’,” Artico said.

“The process moved from there and it all happened fairly quick.”

Artico, who was an assistant coach in Langwarrin’s premiership triumph this season, said he’s excited by the challenge of leading Hastings back up the MPNFL Division 2 ladder.

“The challenge is one I like,” he said.

Gav Artico (third from left) with Hastings officials. Picture: Facebook

When Artico arrived at Langwarrin in 2005, the club had finished second last the previous season.

He took the Kangaroos to the ‘05 flag, and sustained success followed.

Similarly at Dromana, Artico took charge of a Tigers outfit that finished near the bottom but three years later he was hoisting the 2013 premiership cup.

“I don’t see this as anything different,” he said.

“Let’s start with a sensible goal and let’s build.

“The idea and intent is going to be that we keep our core group.

“There’s a good bunch of Under 19s coming through…you get a few people back to the club, you add a few people to your list and hopefully a bit of teaching of the game…”

Gav Artico signs on as Hastings coach. Picture: Facebook

Artico.

Artico said he was looking forward to meeting with the Hastings players after they return form their end of season trip.

“We’ll put down some expectations and timelines what we’re going to do,” he said.

“Its not going to be too crazy but we’ll look at putting some plans in place so everyone knows moving forward.”

Artico was named coach of Langwarrin’s team of the century a few months ago.

He said he would use all of his experience to help Hastings return to finals success.

“You never stop learning,” he said.

“I’ll take some of that from (Langwarrin co coaches) Josh (Beard) and Blake (McCormack).

“I’ve done it before at two different clubs in two different ways.

“Now there’s this chance to go, ‘let’s mix parts one and two and see what Gav part three turns out to be’.

“I think there are a number of things I’ve learnt in the last couple of years that I’ll add, throw it in the pot and mix it up and see what we can do.”

Artico said the support from his wife and kids was “the kicker’’ in his decision to take on the Hastings job.

“The girls just said, ‘do it’,’’ he said.