Heidelberg premiership coach Danny Nolan reflects on 2022 success
Danny Nolan won five NFNL Division 1 premierships as a player but says coaching his beloved club to a flag was satisfying on many different levels.
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Heidelberg legend Danny Nolan says coaching the Tigers to a premiership sits comfortably alongside the five he won as a player.
Nolan was a key member of Heidelberg’s four-peat dynasty, which delivered five flags in six seasons between 2004 and 2009.
He returned as senior coach before the cancelled 2020 season, taking over from Frank Raso.
Reflecting on last year’s run to NFNL Division 1 glory Nolan said coaching his beloved club to the top was special in a different way.
“It is right up there given the years we’d had prior too,” he said.
“The age and type of personnel around the club and direction we went compared to what we’d had in other premierships, I’d say it is one of the highlights of my involvement in footy.
“Coaching, you’re more happy for the club in general and the players whereas as a player it’s a little bit more selfish, you’re just rapt to be a part of it.
“Coaching is about the success of a club as a whole and to see, especially the 22 players on the field as well as the volunteers and supporters, the smiles on everyone’s faces makes it all worthwhile.
“Playing is more about performing, the day so to speak and the playing group together less than the club as a whole.”
The 2022 premiership was Heidelberg’s 29th senior title and 21st in the Diamond Valley/Northern Football League.
Nolan has been involved in 20 per cent of the Tigers flags and played in nine consecutive grand finals between 2004 and 2012.
The star midfielder won club best-and-fairests in the 2004 and 2007 premiership seasons and four in total.
When he hung up the boots in 2013 he didn’t think he’d be back coaching the club to another premiership.
“For sure, there’s nothing better than – at a club you really love – to coach them and not even knowing I was going to do that role when I finishing playing is unbelievably satisfying.
“The club had targeted a past player and the opportunity came and the next few years were rocky but it was unbelievable in the end.”
Nolan departed following the grand final to pursue work opportunities in Queensland.
He’s since been signed by Gold Coast Suns to be an assistant at the club’s academy.
Work will likely keep the premiership coach away from the club’s premiership flag unfurling, which is yet to be confirmed due to flood damage at Warringal Park.
However, he has no doubt the club is in good hands with assistant Vinny Dattoli stepping up to take the senior role.
“It just flows on, it’s a really good appointment,” Nolan said.
“It gives the guys consistency, which every player likes – to know where the stand, the next training session and game plan and like that.
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“We see footy very much the same Vinny and I so I think the club is in a great spot.”
Heidelberg’s premiership defence begins with a trip to Shelley Reserve for a derby clash with North Heidelberg on Saturday.
A trip to Whittlesea follows in Round 2 before the club’s first home game, tentatively scheduled for Round 3, against Montmorency on April 29.
The first grand final rematch against Bundoora will be held at Yulong Reserve the following week on May 13.
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