Tom Hunter reveals why he found the Brunswick NOBS job so appealing

Former Richmond women’s coach Tom Hunter reveals he had offers to remain in the AFLW but chose to have a crack at local footy after finding the Brunswick job too appealing to pass up.

New Brunswick NOBS coach Tom Hunter. Picture: Supplied

New Brunswick NOBS coach Tom Hunter is looking forward to his first crack at coaching a local footy club.

The former Richmond AFLW coach revealed he had the opportunity to remain in the elite system but found the job at the VAFA Division 1 club more appealing.

Hunter said the chance to lead his own team as well as play a part in developing the Brunswick’s women’s football and junior football programs stood out.

“I’d had a couple of approaches from AFLW clubs to be an assistant but it just didn’t quite feel right,” he said.

“I sat down with (president) Jarryd (Browne) and had a conversation about Brunswick and I’ve got a mate who plays there who speaks really highly of it and it seemed really appealing to have my own team again.

Tom Hunter during his time as Richmond AFLW coach. Picture Jay Town

“There’s a young list there and the impact you can have on young players and helping them be successful just appealed.

“I’m pretty comfortable coming back to local footy and sharing my knowledge and I’ve got a few things that I want to work on as well.

“The way it ended at Richmond I got some feedback on areas I can improve and I want to make them a focus.”

Hunter takes the role after Tim O’Dwyer stepped down earlier this year.

The former Collingwood draftee helped build Richmond’s women’s program, winning the VFLW Coach of the Year before leading the Tigers in their inaugural AFLW season.

Hunter hopes he can put those experiences to good use across the entire club at Brunswick.

“That was one of the things I talked about in my interview, the club sees itself as so inclusive and I want to be across that,” he said.

“I want to help the Renegades out, I want to help the junior program out, coaching the coaches as well, giving them ideas for drills and development programs because that will only help the club in the long run.

Tom Hunter tries on his new club colours. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve got someone who oversees the under 23 players at the club … I think that’s something the club does well, not just throwing them in the deep end, but giving them ways they can be successful.”

Hunter has been tasked with helping Brunswick survive and thrive at Division 1 level.

He has been in touch with the current playing list and will turn his attention to recruiting for 2021.

The amateur league presents a challenge to attracting players but Hunter is confident the club’s culture and bright future will play big roles.

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“We want to be pushing for Premier C in the next couple of years, so we need to get ourselves in a position to play that type of footy and be successful at it,” he said.

“I’ve touched base with a few players and I’m sitting down with Browny to go through pre-season training and players we can potentially bring in.

“We’re creating a really strong environment on and off the field, I think that’s a drawing point, and playing an exciting brand of footy – that’s how we can get players across.”