As clubs make the early moves into preparation for the next Group 20 season, the Leeton Greens have named Hayden Philp as the man to coach their first-grade side in 2021.
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Philp made an immediate impact on the Group 20 competition in 2019 when he was awarded the Ray Thorpe Medal in his first year at the club, and president Bill Arnold feels he is the perfect man for the job.
"He is a great player and a good-natured kid to go with it, for someone his age he is very level headed," Arnold said.
"He doesn't have any experience (as coach) of course, but with the way he is, I think he will be very handy.
"I think he will do a great job and he has the kids on his side and should have no trouble gaining their respect."
The talented forward, who headed back to Group Nine to play for Wagga Brothers while Group 20 was in recess for 2020, is looking forward to jumping into his first coaching gig.
"I'm excited, and I think I have the right side to do it," Philp said.
"I think we will nearly have the same side. There might be a couple of older blokes who come back this year now that it is the 100 years.
"It just a bit of a wait and see game but once we get into training, we will find out what we have got."
The Greens finished the 2019 season in fifth position and were knocked out of the finals by eventual premiers Darlington Point Coleambally.
Philp said the experience the young side gained from that would be valuable heading into this season.
"Getting knocked out by Darlington Point first round in the finals wasn't ideal, but they thought we were the hardest game for them," Philp said.
"Being a young side, the boys take a lot of experience out of that game, and they will only get better as they keep playing first-grade footy."
When looking at the Greens young squad, Philp felt that it was too good of an opportunity to turn down,
"You look at the potential of the side that we have it is definitely a development thing," Philp said.
"This side could be a 10-year premiership-winning side there is just so much potential there. The average age is probably 21 or 22, so there is a lot to look forward to in the future for the Greenies."
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