FORMER Melbourne star Brett Lovett has been appointed Casey Scorpions coach for the next two years.
Lovett, who played 235 matches for the red and blue from 1986-97 (he sits 10th on the club’s all-time games record), said he was delighted to return to Melbourne via its VFL affiliate.
“It’s been 13 years since I’ve been at Melbourne and I played 13 years at Melbourne,” Lovett told melbournefc.com.au.
“I’ve been coaching in between that time and been keeping a keen eye on Melbourne’s progress, so it’s good to be back in a hands-on capacity, helping us achieve success.”
Lovett has replaced Brad Gotch, who has joined Port Adelaide's coaching staff.
The position is a part-time role based at Casey, but Lovett said it worked in well with his family’s nursery business.
“The business is only 15 minutes away from the Casey footy ground, so it’s good to be in the area - it’s a really good fit for me. It’s good that I’ll be able to fit both requirements in - the footy and the nursery,” he said.
“I’ll also be keeping the communications up with [Melbourne general manager of player development and strategy] Todd Viney. One of Todd’s roles is to be in regular contact with me, so I’ll be keeping in contact with him and the other assistant coaches.
“That’s where the communication will be happening and I’ll be popping up to Melbourne to meet up with the crew.”
Lovett has previously coached standalone Frankston and Sandringham (aligned with St Kilda) in the VFL.
His coaching history reads: Wonthaggi (1999-2001), Frankston (2002-08), Frankston YCW under 12s/13s (2009-10) and Sandringham Zebras (2011).
He said those coaching experiences would hold him in good stead.
“I’ve coached in the country, Frankston in the VFL for six years, junior football and Sandringham, which had an alignment with St Kilda last year,” he said.
“Overall coaching is challenging, whatever way you go, but certainly having the alignment, where two groups are coming together for two hours on the weekend - that has its challenges.
“Hopefully, both groups of boys understand the situation and from my experience, they’ll know what’s required.”
Casey started training last week and Lovett will address the players for the first time on Monday night.
Lovett, who played 235 matches for the red and blue from 1986-97 (he sits 10th on the club’s all-time games record), said he was delighted to return to Melbourne via its VFL affiliate.
“It’s been 13 years since I’ve been at Melbourne and I played 13 years at Melbourne,” Lovett told melbournefc.com.au.
“I’ve been coaching in between that time and been keeping a keen eye on Melbourne’s progress, so it’s good to be back in a hands-on capacity, helping us achieve success.”
Lovett has replaced Brad Gotch, who has joined Port Adelaide's coaching staff.
The position is a part-time role based at Casey, but Lovett said it worked in well with his family’s nursery business.
“The business is only 15 minutes away from the Casey footy ground, so it’s good to be in the area - it’s a really good fit for me. It’s good that I’ll be able to fit both requirements in - the footy and the nursery,” he said.
“I’ll also be keeping the communications up with [Melbourne general manager of player development and strategy] Todd Viney. One of Todd’s roles is to be in regular contact with me, so I’ll be keeping in contact with him and the other assistant coaches.
“That’s where the communication will be happening and I’ll be popping up to Melbourne to meet up with the crew.”
Lovett has previously coached standalone Frankston and Sandringham (aligned with St Kilda) in the VFL.
His coaching history reads: Wonthaggi (1999-2001), Frankston (2002-08), Frankston YCW under 12s/13s (2009-10) and Sandringham Zebras (2011).
He said those coaching experiences would hold him in good stead.
“I’ve coached in the country, Frankston in the VFL for six years, junior football and Sandringham, which had an alignment with St Kilda last year,” he said.
“Overall coaching is challenging, whatever way you go, but certainly having the alignment, where two groups are coming together for two hours on the weekend - that has its challenges.
“Hopefully, both groups of boys understand the situation and from my experience, they’ll know what’s required.”
Casey started training last week and Lovett will address the players for the first time on Monday night.
