SFNL: Cranbourne has appointed its next senior coach

Cranbourne has moved quickly to secure its future senior coach, turning to a man who has learned from some of local footy’s greatest.

Angelo Soldatos has been named as Cranbourne's new coach. Photo: Tyler Lewis.

Angelo Soldatos watched Cranbourne in last year’s Southern league grand final.

He was there as a neutral but was “really impressed” with the “really disciplined” Eagles.

Just short of 12 months on, he will take the reins as the club’s next senior coach.

Soldatos has worked as Ryan James’ assistant at Eastern league giant East Doncaster for 18 months after a stint at Bayswater as its assistant.

He takes over from 2022 premiership mentor Steve O’Brien who was on the selection panel.

Soldatos only retired from playing at the end of 2022 and has played or coached under mentors including James, Brett Moyle, Mick McGuane, Tom Roach and Dan Donati.

The 34-year-old believes that spread of knowledge and experience has him ready to steer the Eagles in 2025.

“I am ready, I have done a decent apprenticeship at some really good footy clubs,” he said.

“I have been really lucky, I have worked under some great coaches as a player and a coach and have learnt as much as I can.”

Soldatos said his first step as coach would be to build relationships with the players, committee members and volunteers.

“Building relationships with players is key and I think understanding the way I want to play and getting that message across clearly,” he said.

“You’ve got to be a lot of things to a lot people, that will be a change from being an assistant.

“The off-field stuff as well, knowing the committee and the club’s volunteers.

“On game day I feel like I have done a fair bit of work, not only in my senior assistant role I am doing currently but I coach the reserves as well.”

Cranbourne said Soldatos stood out after he presented his future vision to the club.