Tara Murray
New Wyndhamvale co-coaches Rob May and Jason Parker believe the side isn’t that far off in the Western Region Football League division 2 competition.
The pair were recently announced as the Falcons new coaches, replacing Luke Wenlock, who stood down from the role after four years in the role.
May said it was Parker, who was assistant coach under Wenlock, who first suggested the pair put their hands up to coach together.
“It was something out of the blue,” he said.
“Jason had been involved the last few years and was asked if he wanted to have a crack, would I join him?
“We’ve known him for a number of years. He’s been my playing assistant coach before, but we’ve never co-coached.”
May has several years coaching experience, having had roles at Deer Park, Taylors Lakes and in the Geelong District Football League. He was also an assistant at Hoppers Crossing.
He hasn’t coached the last five years, but had been watching football from afar.
“I wouldn’t have considered the role if it wasn’t for Jason,” he said. “We’re looking forward to it and it’s a great opportunity and a great club.”
The Falcons finished this season in fourth, losing in the first week of the finals.
May said they were confident that the side was on the right track.
“The club wasn’t that far off this year,” he said. “We think we need a couple more recruits that will help us take a couple more steps.
“In the final against North Footscray one quarter got away from them. With a young group and especially in finals, you have to learn how to come back from there.
“The talent is there and they’re at the right stage of their careers. A couple of injuries really hurt them.”
May said they were already speaking with players as they looked to hit the ground running. He said a familiar face in Wenlock would help play a key role for them. Before coaching the side, Wenlock was the club’s coaching director.
“We’re getting the ball rolling and touching base with players,” May said.
“On the recruiting side of things we have a couple of blokes in that role for us. Luke is a key in that.
“We’ll look to lean on him a bit. He knows the makeup of the team and players.”
