VAFA 2018: Liston Trophy winner Paul Satterley locked in at Old Xaverians

NEW Old Xaverians coach Paul Satterley believes the club can make sharp improvement in VAFA Premier next year.

PAUL Satterley looked east and did have an “informal chat’’ with Norwood.

But in the end he set his compass on continuing his coaching endeavours in VAFA Premier — and last night he was appointed the new senior coach of amateur power Old Xaverians.

The former Footscray and Werribee rover was searching for a new position after ending his five-year stint at De La Salle.

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Satterley saw an advertisement for the Xavs position and put in an application.

“With about five weeks left in the season my mind was starting to think about what was I going to do next,’’ Satterley said this morning.

“I knew the Xavs gig was there so I had to make a decision. Five years at De La, it was probably time for a change. I applied for Xavs just before our last game. My head space was totally in the groove of making sure De La finished off the year well, but in the background I was also having to think about my next move in coaching.

Paul Satterley calling the shots at De La Salle this year.

“All along the way I was having open and honest chats with Brian Waldron (De La Salle president). There was no cloak and dagger stuff. It was all very upfront, this is where they’re at as a club, this is where I’m at. I left on very good terms with De La Salle and I wanted it to be that way. I think both parties felt that after five years it was time to part ways.’’

Satterley said he “loved’’ the VAFA, appreciated Old Xavs’ rich history and saw a challenge in leading them vack into finals.

“There was enormous appeal for me to put my hand up for this gig,’’ he said.

Xavs endured a rocky start to 2018 when coach James McDonald left early in the season, leaving former captain and Footscray defender Matt Hannebery to take over.

Xaverians rallied to finish seventh at 7-11.

Paul Satterley in charge of Werribee in the VFL.

Satterley said he enjoyed his talk with Norwood and learning more about the club and the Eastern league.

“I went there with an open mind and they came across as an awesome footy club but my heart was on the Xavs role,’’ he said.

Satterley noted that Old Xavs won the Under 19 premiership this year and “are in a really good position with young kids coming through’’.

“A lot of the better players missed a lot of footy this year with injury … it’s such a tight competition but I think there is enormous scope for them to improve pretty quickly,’’ he said.

Satterley was previously head coach of VFL club Werribee and TAC Cup outfit Northern Knights, and was a development/coach at Melbourne.

He also steered Hoppers Crossing to a premiership in the Western Region league.

Satterley spent time on Footscray’s list and won the 1995 JJ Liston Trophy at Werribee.

“Paul Satterley ticked all the boxes for us, and we fully trust that Paul’s tenure will be an enjoyable and successful partnership between coach and club,” Xavs president Matt Cosgrave said in a statement.

“Our numerous conversations with Paul have revealed that he has a solid understanding of the culture of our club and that he will be a good fit in that regard. We spoke to many people about him and all spoke glowingly about Paul’s character and abilities.

“His broad experience in football, and most particularly his time in the VAFA Premier section, will stand him in good stead with our players and our wider Xaverian football community.’’