As one of the Essendon 34, Mark McVeigh has been banned from performing his role as assistant coach with Greater Western Sydney this season. As such, the Giants have announced NEAFL development coach Nick Walsh as interim backline coach, with Nick Maxwell to assist him in a “specialist role”.
“We looked at a range of options to cover Mark for this season and we believe that Nick Walsh stepping into this role is the best option,” said Giants head coach Leon Cameron.
“Nick is a very impressive young coach with good knowledge of the game and has fantastic relationships with both the playing group and coaching staff.
“As a club we are obviously right behind Mark and his family and we look forward to Mark returning as an assistant coach overseeing our backline ahead of the 2017 season.”
GWS say they will ensure McVeigh’s ten months of downtime are not a waste, promising to support him until he is allowed to resume his role in November.
Walsh, who has been working with the Giants since 2011, said: “The circumstances under which I’m stepping into this role are unfortunate but nonetheless I’m excited about the challenge ahead this season.
“With the support and input from people like Nick Maxwell, Leon Cameron, our NEAFL Coach Brad Miller and experienced players like Heath Shaw, Joel Patfull and Phil Davis leading the young group, I believe the backline is well positioned for the year ahead.”
Collingwood premiership captain Maxwell said the 2016 structure would minimise disturbance to the group.
“It’s a unique set of circumstances for everyone involved and this outcome provides maximum stability for the playing and coaching group,” Maxwell said.
“I’m looking forward to taking on more responsibility at the club with this specialist support role, while still continuing my existing leadership roles at the Giants and Melbourne Storm, as well as my media commitments.”
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Jesse Hogan's striking charge was thrown out by the tribunal citing that negligible contact was made with Carlton's Lewis Young. AFL 360's Mark Robinson…
GWS captain Toby Greene has been suspended for the eighth time in his career after failing in his bid to clear himself of a…
Damien Hardwick has predicted Toby Greene's one-match suspension will be upheld by the AFL tribunal, but the triple-premiership coach says he wouldn't ban the…
Jonathan Brown has made a passionate plea to the AFL on On the Couch to give players leeway as they make split-second decisions, following…
Toby Greene has been offered a one-game suspension after making high contact with Carlton's Jordan Boyd, adding to his list of bans in recent…
