Former Essendon player and development manager, David Flood, is eagerly awaiting the challenges that lie ahead in his new role as coach of Richmond's VFL affiliate, the Coburg Tigers.
Flood was appointed Coburg's coach late last week, replacing Paul Spargo who has moved into a full-time assistant coaching role at Richmond.
"I'm really excited about the position and very much looking forward to getting stuck into it," Flood said.
"There are a few hurdles to climb, but that's all part of it and it's going to be a good experience.
"I'm pretty raw as a first-time coach, and I'll make some mistakes along the way, but I'll learn from them . . ."
The 34-year-old played 54 senior games for Essendon from 1986-94 and has spent the past five years at Windy Hill in a developmental role with the club's young players.
"Working with the kids is what I enjoy most -- and that was certainly a big factor in attracting me to the coaching job with the Coburg Tigers, especially with Richmond picking up so many young players in the National Draft recently," he said.
"There's going to be a lot of kids coming through the system at Richmond and also at Coburg, because we're very keen to develop a closer relationship with the Calder Cannons (reigning TAC Cup under-18 premiers)."
Flood added that he's been most impressed with Richmond in his dealings with the Club to date.
"They've been professional, honest and really up-front with me. The strong impression I get is that this is a really exciting time for the Richmond Football Club, and I'm just pleased to be involved," he said.
Coburg Tigers general manager Des Ryan said Flood stood out as the ideal person for the coaching job . . .
"David is highly regarded through his work with young players and that's a key issue for us, as a club, moving forward," Ryan said.
"It's also been well-documented by footy people that he's a good thinker, is up-to-date with all the processes of modern AFL football, and is a person of excellent character.
"We believe he's going to be a fine acquisition for both the Coburg Tigers and the Richmond Football Club."
Flood was appointed Coburg's coach late last week, replacing Paul Spargo who has moved into a full-time assistant coaching role at Richmond.
"I'm really excited about the position and very much looking forward to getting stuck into it," Flood said.
"There are a few hurdles to climb, but that's all part of it and it's going to be a good experience.
"I'm pretty raw as a first-time coach, and I'll make some mistakes along the way, but I'll learn from them . . ."
The 34-year-old played 54 senior games for Essendon from 1986-94 and has spent the past five years at Windy Hill in a developmental role with the club's young players.
"Working with the kids is what I enjoy most -- and that was certainly a big factor in attracting me to the coaching job with the Coburg Tigers, especially with Richmond picking up so many young players in the National Draft recently," he said.
"There's going to be a lot of kids coming through the system at Richmond and also at Coburg, because we're very keen to develop a closer relationship with the Calder Cannons (reigning TAC Cup under-18 premiers)."
Flood added that he's been most impressed with Richmond in his dealings with the Club to date.
"They've been professional, honest and really up-front with me. The strong impression I get is that this is a really exciting time for the Richmond Football Club, and I'm just pleased to be involved," he said.
Coburg Tigers general manager Des Ryan said Flood stood out as the ideal person for the coaching job . . .
"David is highly regarded through his work with young players and that's a key issue for us, as a club, moving forward," Ryan said.
"It's also been well-documented by footy people that he's a good thinker, is up-to-date with all the processes of modern AFL football, and is a person of excellent character.
"We believe he's going to be a fine acquisition for both the Coburg Tigers and the Richmond Football Club."
