Weller to lead Penguin in 2021

Former AFL player and Burnie 2020 premiership player, Maverick Weller has been announced as Penguin’s playing-coach for 2021.

In an announcement on Penguin’s Facebook page the club stated, ‘Mav will bring along with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from the highest level into our club as we aim for the ultimate success in 2021.’

Weller returned home to Tasmania this year after an 123 game career in the AFL, with Gold Coast, St. Kilda and most recently Richmond. He firmly believes that the off-field aspect is just as important as the on-field performance.

"I [also] think off-field culture is very important to on-field success and I hope I can add some stuff I have experienced over the years.”

Weller said when speaking to the Advocate, "Being at a club like Richmond and seeing a culture that has developed and thrived there based on genuine care for its people and acceptance of different personalities and characters can help you win games of football."

Jack Templeton has been announced as the forward line coach with more announcements on Weller's assistants expected soon.

Mav Weller in full flight in 2020 for Burnie. (picture: The Advocate)

Williams returns to Swanland

Former playing-coach, Grant Williams has returned to Girdlestone Park to take the reins at East Devonport.

In an announcement on the clubs Facebook page, East Devonport wrote that, ‘Grant is clearly aware of the challenges facing the club on and off the field, and is relishing the opportunity to re-set the mindset of the playing list around some non-negotiable core principles.’

Williams is no stranger to EDFC having been player-coach almost 20 years ago, having coached the club in 2001 and 2002, he also played four games for Melbourne in 1992 and has also had playing stints at Sandy Bay, Burnie, Wynyard and Devonport along with coaching Rosebery Toorak in the NWFA.

Williams has signed on for 2 years, with the option of a third.

The announcement comes after East Devonport announced they would be placing the football clubs senior program in an indefinite recess if they couldn’t get the following resources in place by November 25.

• Senior and reserves coaches signed

• 35 x senior and reserves grade players registered and with the definite intention of playing in season 2021

• 15 x under 18 grade players registered and with the definite intention of playing in season 2021

• Suitable nominations for the position of President and other unfilled committee positions for endorsement at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 26 November

Plant to return for chance at 4-peat

Brent Plant has confirmed he will return to Burnie for 2021 to chase his fourth successive flag in a row.

In a short post on the clubs Facebook page, they announced he would come back to West Park for 2021.

When speaking to the Advocate, he was of the belief that the strength of the club both on and off the field helped sway his decision to stay on for another season.

"Our playing list is improving, and there is always going to be player movement [after each season] and I understand that, but with our under 18 group and our young reserves group [which both played finals] we have a whole lot of development and growth in those areas,'' Plant said.

The only main losses to the Dockers list so far is former AFL player Maverick Weller, who has left to become player-coach of Penguin, Kade Munday, who has retired on a high with a Wayne Wing medal and James Dowling who has left for the TSL.