They may be big boots to fill, but new East Coast Swans coach Gene Savage seems to be the man to slide right in.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stepping into the shoes of premiership coach Ned Hyland, the 39-year-old football veteran has hung up his playing spikes and will stand behind the clipboard for the second time in his career, previously coaching at Old Launcestonians.
"I think it was always in the plans but obviously I thought I would always get back into coaching once I finished playing so I put my hand up," he said.
"I'm sure the boys will try and talk otherwise but for now, yes [my career is over]."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Spanning over 320 games across stints at Launceston, Old Launcestonians and his current side, Savage holds the record for fourth-most games at the State League outfit but is now fully focused on taking over Hyland's role and the success he brought.
"We built a fantastic relationship. Even beforehand we were in communication the year before I came down.
"He's done a fantastic job for a young man and to achieve what he has at his age, he's quite ahead of his time.
"Obviously we want to remain up the pointy end and that will be from developing the list we already have and obtaining a couple of recruits. Staying up the pointy end will really be about striving from the ground up."
Knocked out in the preliminary final last season, the 2018 premiers have been dealt a major blow already this season with Michael Musicka heading back to Launceston after three seasons on the Coast but Savage is confident the Swans can cover his absence.
"We are already in talks with several potential players. Obviously Muz is a fantastic player and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours and no doubt he will come back to the club at some stage.
"I think some consistency [will improve the club]. I think our best is very good but sometimes obviously, injuries aside, we had a few things we could be better at and I'll be looking to improve those moving forward."
His predecessor Hyland will stay on at the club in a football director role while Savage will look to extend and develop the Swans, having learned the lessons of culture and junior development while at the helm of Old L's.
"I think it [culture] is ingrained strongly from the ground up at the club. I think it's something we want to continue and strive with and be a leader of the competition in that sort of thing," he said.
Sav stats
Name: Gene Savage
Age: 39
Occupation: Equipment servicing at Coca-Cola Amatil.
Kids: Only dogs and motorbikes
Clubs: Launceston (224 games), Old Launcestonians (four years), East Coast (two years)
While you're with us, did you know that you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
Subscriptions are available here.