Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm pleased to stand here today and share that, for a second year in a row, a northern Tasmanian has been named the male AFL Community Coach of the Year. It's well known that our island state produces some of the best footballers on the ground, and it appears that we punch above our weight for coaches and volunteers as well. Not busy enough running his own microbrewery and co-hosting a football podcast, Way Out on the Wing, Launceston's Will Tatchell has been a constant on the ground for the East Launceston Junior Football Club over the past few years. Undertaking a variety of roles, including coach coordinator, committee member, coach and Auskick coordinator, Will also spearheaded the club's first coaching handbook and is dedicated to developing both players and coaches.

The club president, Josh Nast, told me, 'Simply put, Will has been the absolute engine room of our club, and we're so fortunate to have an individual with Will's passion and commitment to community.' Head of AFL Tasmania, Damian Gill, said: 'Will thoroughly enjoys this recognition. He's a passionate football person who goes above and beyond for the East Launceston Junior Football Club. His ethos is about kids enjoying their footy, and this comes through in everything he does.' For Will, a father of three football-mad young boys, the engagement and development with young players continues to drive him. 'I find real engagement in seeing this younger generation come through but then noticing in one to 15 years where these players go on to play,' he said. Congratulations, Will.