Former AFL Star Joins Tigers Coaching Staff

Brisbane premiership player and former Fremantle Docker Des Headland has joined Claremont as a midfield coach for 2014.

Headland didn’t have to think twice once contact was made by the Tigers.

“Dean Horsington (Football Operations Manager) called me to see if I wanted to get involved and just get myself back in to footy,” Headland said.

"I always wanted to be on the coaching side of things and mentor some kids who are coming through.”

Headland had been working with the Clontarf Foundation in Broome.

“It’s good up there, mentoring a lot of the Aboriginal boys who are getting through High School and on to employment and then in to University or TAFE,” Headland said.

"It was an awesome two years.”

Headland received offers from other clubs, but one factor played a big part in his decision to join the Tigers.

“There were a few clubs there who I sought of spoke to but I think the biggest draw was with Broady’s (Michael Broadbridge) background,” Headland said.

“He’s been in the AFL system for years and coached me in the Under 18’s.”

“I know what sort of coach he is and it will be good to learn off him.”

With a host of players retiring during the off season, Headland expects a mix of Claremont players to be used through the midfield in 2014.

“We’ve still got a good core of senior players in the group with Mark Seaby as the ruckman and obviously players like Luke Blackwell and Ryan Neates,” Headland said.

“We’ve also got some young boys coming through from the Colts who won the premiership last year so there’s going to be a bit of a mixture.”

Headland says the return of Tom Ledger will also add to the playing group.

“He’s just come off an AFL list (St Kilda) so to bring that experience, he shows on the track how to train, how to work hard, he gives his opinion to the young boys and they sit there and listen. That’s what we need around the footy club.”

by Dan Scamozzi