Tara Murray
Brothers Paul Hudson and Chris Hudson have done a lot of things together in their lives, and now they’re jumping into coaching Westbourne Grammarians in the Victorian Amatuer Football Association together.
The Grammarians announced that the brothers would coach the side next season in division 4.
Club president David Hudson, another brother, said that it was pretty cool to see his brothers coaching together.
“We’ve rounded the boys up,” he said. “It’s pretty cool and it’s good as we’ve been at the club for a long time, over 20 years.
“We’ve all been involved since 2001 in a number of roles. Chris is a two-time premiership player and Paul was a captain of the club.
“Both are best and fairest winners. It fits in pretty well, I’m president and mum is on the committee and runs the canteen.
“It’s our turn to make sure things are running well and the boys are looking forward to helping out.”
David said the two would have never put to coach on their own due to work and family commitments, so the pairing works well.
Paul coached the side last season for one game and had a good response and also coached some school football.
Chris hasn’t coached, but David said both bought plenty of experience of the role.
As for brothers working together, he doesn’t think there will be any issues.
“We work together everyday in the family business,” he said. “Now we’ll be together on weekends as well.
“Our family business, out of five kids four work in the family business with mum and dad.
“Us three boys grew up together in the same room…We’re really close as brothers.”
The Hudsons come into the role after a tough 2022 season with the side failing to win a match in division 3.
David said the focus for the club was getting re-engaged with the community after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re focused on re-engaging in the community, past players and supporters.
“Last year forfeited a lot of games in the twos. It’s about developing a playing group that really wants to be there.
“We want to create a bit of atmosphere and hopefully play some decent footy and have an enjoyable season.”
David said in a big boost for the club, they’ve formed a partnership with the Newport Power Junior club, with the two clubs forming an under-19 team.
He said the club had more success when they had a strong under-19 program.
In the club’s social media post, Paul said they can’t wait to get started.
“Watching from the sideline in 2022 and seeing how hard the club worked to field sides every week, we knew we had to step up,” he said.
“To get the opportunity to coach the club I have played for, the club that has been one of the biggest parts of my adult life, is a real privilege and honour.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in with the boys, have a lot of fun and play a part in ensuring our club is a place where people want to play footy.”
