NFL 2019: Aaron Johnson appointed Epping coach after Greg Whitcroft resignation

AARON Johnson will call on the wisdom of coaching guru Robert Hyde after being thrust into the Epping hot seat.

Aaron Johnson has returned to Epping as senior coach.

AARON Johnson will call on the wisdom of coaching guru Robert Hyde after being thrust into the Epping hot seat.

Johnson, a premiership player with the Pingers in 2012, has been unveiled as Greg Whitcroft’s replacement.

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Epping confirmed the change on Friday, announcing Whitcroft’s resignation before swiftly confirming the appointment of ex-West Preston and Greensborough assistant Johnson.

Johnson, a schoolteacher who worked with Hyde and served on his coaching staff at Greensborough, said he would draw on the wisdom of the Northern Football League and TAC Cup premiership winner.

“I thought for my coaching development, that’s probably first-class, to work under someone as astute as what he is,” Johnson said.

“It was a blessing in disguise, (seeing) how (strong) the structure is at Greensborough on and off field. It was a big learning curve.

“You see how Epping was run at the time and then West Preston.

“It was a tough decision to leave Greensborough, just knowing how good the structures are in place and the strong juniors coming through.

“Hopefully that’s something we can implement at Epping.”

Aaron Johnson lays a tackle during his playing career with Epping.

Johnson kept a close eye on his former club during his stints as an assistant in Division 1 and said he had been buoyed by Epping’s competitiveness upon its return to Division 2.

“It is an exciting time. It was a privilege last year to see them take on the challenge of going to Division 2 from Division 3,” he said.

The Pingers are set to bank on natural improvement from their senior team, with about half of this year’s squad aged 22 or under.

“The main thing is they are getting bigger, stronger and faster,” Johnson said.

“Especially on a big ground like Epping, to compete with your bigger bodies like Whittlesea, Eltham and Banyule.”

Bryce Judd has moved on from Epping to play for VAFA club Glen Eira.

Epping finished sixth in the second tier this season after filling the vacancy left by Lalor’s sudden withdrawal in March.

The club has a clearance pending for ex-Calder Cannons forward Tom Burnside, who played four games with Essendon District club East Sunbury in 2018.

Bryce Judd has moved on, joining VAFA outfit Glen Eira.

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