Hampton Rovers Football Club has great pleasure in announcing the re-appointment of Anthony Quon as Senior Coach for the 2018 VAFA season. Other positions have also been confirmed for the new season.
Anthony was thrown in the deep end this year, answering a call to take the reins of the club mid-season. While he couldn’t help the club avoid relegation, the improvement in the performance of the players was clearly evident and those looking on were impressed.
His coaching ability has undoubtedly enhanced in 2017, owing to his involvement at the Sandringham Zebras, assisting VFL development side coach and former Rovers senior coach, Owen Lalor. Previously, he is an U19 Premiership coach and was awarded the AFCA/VAFA U19 coach of the year in 2009. More recently, he was senior coach at South Melbourne Districts, before returning to the Rovers to become Reserves coach. In his playing days, Anthony wore the green & gold 171 times.
The club received a number of quality candidates in the recent hunt for a 2018 coach, however Anthony was a stand-out and obvious appointment for the coaching sub-committee.
Rovers President Steve Anderson said, “His presentation was fantastic and ticked off all the points we’re looking for. I think with planning and preparation, we should see rapid development in the 18-22 year-olds. The experienced players will be empowered to deliver the game plan on field via Anthony’s guidance.”
“It is very evident that he wants the boys from last year to win games of football and the club to succeed. He has built solid support around him which is a key factor in appointing Anthony for 2018.”
Anthony said, “It’s an honour to coach the club I’ve spent over 20 years at. The list is exciting and my expectations are high in that we can be successful in 2018.”
Quon will be assisted by Trent Pitts as was the case this season as well as John Cesario. Trent has AFL experience with the Kangaroos, coached the Mountain & District League with South Belgrave and coached MHSOB to the Premier C flag in 2009. John Cesario steps up after doing a great job coaching the Under 19’s for five seasons including one premiership – an important decision given the number of those players now in the senior ranks – he also has senior VAFA coaching experience.
As was announced at Presentation Night, the club is thrilled to have Anton Duddy on board again as Reserves Coach after a successful first year season in 2017.
Lou Folino has accepted the role of Under 19 coach, taking over from John Cesario as coach of the firsts. Lou has been a popular figure around the club and has been in the senior coaching structure for the past few years now. He has also coached junior sides, has TAC Cup exposure with the Sandy Dragons and has expressed his desire to step up and be a head coach and will now get his opportunity. Sam Care will continue as U19 seconds coach after a stellar first year in charge resulting in a finals appearance.
Planning for the second season of Senior Women’s Football at the club is underway and we’ll make further announcements about this in the coming weeks. The Rovers also plan on fielding a Thirds side in 2018 and is searching for a volunteer to coach the team.
Preparations for the 2018 season in division one commence on Wednesday November 15 with a meet the coach and info session followed by a light session on the track. Pre-Season Training will then continue each Monday and Wednesday until December 11.
