By Jackson Russell
AS Broadford makes its long-awaited, and long-delayed, debut in the AFL Outer East, it will have a new senior coach at the helm.
The club announced Russell Humphrey would be taking up the top job on Wednesday, taking the place of Jamie Kelly who lead the Kangaroos in their last Riddell District Football Netball League season in 2019.
Humphrey comes to Broadford from the Calder Cannons, where he was the club’s female talent coordinator, and has previous experience with Hurstbridge, Craigieburn and the Oakleigh Chargers.
Humphrey said he was excited about what was building at the club.
“I think it’s the excitement the committee and Bonnie are trying to build around the club going into a new league. They’re really enthusiastic which helps, and I think that for me was a selling point,” he said.
“It’s an opportunity to coach your own side in a senior capacity and not be a reserve or assistant coach.
“I’ve worked with some good people over the time too so I’m hoping to be able to take what I’ve learnt from them into this role. It’s a massive opportunity for myself, really.”
Humphrey said with the club going into a new league in 2021, he was able to work from a blank canvas.
“Our overall desire in the new competition is to be competitive and… hopefully have a style of footy that’s not only exciting but competitive with the rest of the competition,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to representing the Broadford community through coaching the club and hope we can represent the town in a positive manner and have positive results.”
In the announcement on social media, president Bonnie Cavanagh said Humphrey’s appointment strengthened the link between Broadford’s junior and senior clubs.
“Russell is energetic, hardworking and passionate about developing both men, women and youth to reach their full potential as both football players and community leaders,” she said.
“Our ongoing commitment to creating stronger pathways for our juniors will be boosted significantly by Russell’s knowledge, experience and networks within the talent identification systems.”
Cavanagh also paid tribute to outgoing coach Jamie Kelly as he continues with the club in a transitional support role within the football department.
“A Best Club Person Award recipient, Jamie and his family have been an integral part of BFNC for many years,” Cavanagh said.
“On behalf of the committee, members, sponsors, volunteers and players, I would like to sincerely thank Jamie, and his family, for their support, dedication and genuine passion for us all to succeed on and off the field and court.”
