West Coast’s coaching structure has been refreshed, with a handful of Adam Simpson’s team changing positions for the 2020 campaign.
The reshuffle sees former forward line mentor Jaymie Graham take on the backline job, with Daniel Pratt shifting to look after stoppages.
Graham’s previous role will now be Luke Webster’s task after he steered the WAFL Eagles into finals in their first season in the competition last year.
Experienced and longstanding West Coast coach Adrian Hickmott has been given the reins of the club’s WAFL Eagles team for the season ahead.
Hickmott coached at state league level in the VFL at Bendigo prior to relocating to WA, and has previously worked in various coaching roles over his time at West Coast including Backs Coach, Team Defence, Bench Coach and Contested Ball Coordinator.
After retiring from Gold Coast in 2018, ex-Eagles midfielder Matt Rosa took on the stoppages role in 2019 and has transitioned into the role of Midfield Development coach to work closely with the club’s developing midfielders.
Chance Bateman also joined the coaching staff for 2019 and remains Forwards Development coach as well as indigenous player mentor.
Gavin Bell (Head of Development), Mark Nicoski (Backs development) and Nathan van Berlo (Midfield coach) will continue in their positions.
General manager – football Craig Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au the reshuffle was a chance to both refresh and continue developing the coaching staff.
“We are always keen to innovate and have made some tweaks to our structure to continue growing and developing our coaches from within,” Vozzo said.
“This refresh gives our coaches the chance to take on different challenges. “Jaymie and Daniel are really looking forward to their new roles, while Luke has stepped into a line coaching position after working in development and coaching our WAFL team in its inaugural season.
“Adrian has a great opportunity to continue taking our WAFL Eagles forward, and Matt was keen to move from a heavy strategy focus into player development for 2020.”
Entering his seventh season as Senior coach, Adam Simpson will lead his revamped coaching line-up into the Marsh Community Series starting on February 27 against Essendon at Mineral Resources Park.
West Coast coaching panel:
Senior coach: Adam Simpson
Head of development: Gavin Bell
Forwards coach: Luke Webster
Midfield coach: Nathan van Berlo
Backs coach: Jaymie Graham
Stoppage coach: Daniel Pratt
Development – forwards: Chance Bateman
Development – midfield: Matt Rosa
Development – backs: Mark Nicoski
