Jarred Ilett named new St Mary’s women’s coach

DUAL Nichols medallist Jarred Ilett is among the new faces in a star-studded St Mary’s coaching group for the 2016-17 NTFL season

St Mary's Football Club champion Jarred Ilett (right) has taken over as women's coach for the 2016-17 season, while Rick Nolan will continue as senior coach. PICTURE: Helen Orr

DUAL Nichols medallist Jarred Ilett is among the new faces in a star-studded St Mary’s coaching group for the 2016-17 NTFL season.

Ilett, 34, replaces Bryan Ah Mat in charge of the Saints’ senior women’s side, which includes his wife Barb.

“It was time for Bryan to move on and the girls needed a fresh face and a fresh approach to the footy club and program,” Ilett told the NT News. “But I certainly thank him for his commitment to the women’s footy team over a number of years.

“I essentially got involved to spend a bit more time with the family.”

Ilett even joked his new role was the only environment he could tell his wife what to do.

But he is serious about developing St Mary’s into a women’s force, alongside the likes of 2015-16 grand finalists Waratah and Wanderers. Female football is booming in recent times, particularly with the announcement of an AFL women’s national league.

“The pathway is there for them to choose whether they want to be elite ... or have an impact here locally,” Ilett said.

“We certainly had a lot of talent last year, but lacked numbers. We will recruit heavily in the next four weeks to build the squad and share the workload.”

Two-time premiership coach Ricky Nolan will lead the senior men’s squad again, while Darren Flanagan (under-18s) and Josh Heath (Division One) were reappointed.

Heath is undertaking a three-month development role with AFL club Sydney Swans.

The other newcomers are Iggy Vallejo and Henry Labastida (under-16s), Anthony Vallejo (under-14s) and Jack Williams (under-12s). Every coach has played in a senior NTFL premiership.

“We had a good group last year, but if you look at the calibre of people this year, it is ridiculously impressive,” Nolan said. “They’re all good role models and you want your children to be able to look up to people like that.”

St Mary’s men’s pre-season training begins at Tiwi Oval at 5.30pm on August 2, while the women start at Moil Oval at the same time on August 4.