MPNFL: Andrew Gilmour to coach Crib Point in 2022

As Steve Hamill prepares to step down as coach, the Magpies have revealed his replacement and outlined a focus on recruiting.

Crib Point coach Steve Hamill. Picture: AAP

Steve Hamill will walk away from the Crib Point coaching job with his head held high on Saturday.

He’s stepping down after three years at the helm and is looking forward to having more time to watch his son, Will, play for the Adelaide Crows.

Andrew Gilmour, Hamill’s assistant, will take over in 2022.

“It’s always been the plan (for Gilmour) to take over from me,” Hamill said.

“My plan was to help steer them on the right path and then go and watch Will play footy to be honest with you.

“It’s been terrific, been a really nice transition.”

Andrew Gilmour playing for Red Hill.

Gilmour was a former Red Hill player who coached the Hillmen Under 19s for seven years, including its historic inaugural premiership in 2017, before joining Cribby with Hamill in late 2018.

Hamill said Crib Point was going “gangbusters” in most areas, with strong numbers and heaps of young talent.

He said all the club needed was key recruits.

“We want to get it happening early…want to jump on the front foot for next year and try and attract a couple of those A graders,” Hamill said.

Andrew Gilmour. Picture: Crib Point FNC

“The club’s in a good position in terms of financial and points wise…so we’ll be looking to try and recruit a couple of guys and build up from there.

“In terms of the footy club the only thing that’s not going gangbusters at the moment is our wins on the board but everything else is going really well, which is fantastic.”

Crib Point beat Tyabb 18.11 (119) to 10.12 (72) last Saturday, with Kevin Van Den Berghe kicking five goals and Miles Shepherd and Tom Panich three apiece.

Elliott Avis, a past captain of the footy club, returned and provided good leadership in the backline.

“It was one of those games when everything clicked and everyone played well,” Hamill said.

Luke Herrington fired off 10 goals as Crib Point’s reserves thrashed Tyabb to keep its finals hopes alive with a round to go.

And the Magpies’ Under 19s can also make finals.

“It’s a nice feeling for the footy club to have a bit to play for this week,” Hamill said.

“I don’t think Crib Point seconds have made finals since 2004, so it’s nice to have a bit of motivation for training.

“We’ve got heaps of numbers still which is great, we’re still getting guys missing out on a game which at this time of the year is pretty good.

“So all things are going well in that space.”