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Exiting North Launceston coach Taylor Whitford has revealed his next move. Fresh from leading the Northern Bombers to three consecutive TSL grand finals, the 28-year-old has taken up an offer to join AFL Tasmania's coaching program. Whitford will run the state's Northern hub and assist Cameron Joyce on gameday for the Tassie Devils' girls' and boys' under-17 and under-19 sides. MORE FOOTBALL: Coach calls for rep footy return Cat coup: Egger, O'Sign off to Wynyard in 2021 Allan O'Sign 'couldn't play against George Town' The five-time premiership player hasn't completely ruled out playing in some capacity in 2021, but for the time being is looking no further than sinking his teeth into the new role. Whitford said he had been happy to stay in Tasmania or move interstate to pursue his next challenge and was eager to take the next step in his coaching career. "I think it's something that can make me a better coach," said Whitford, who began the new role last week. "I feel working with Cam Joyce and the guys at AFL Tas will enhance my skillset. "Working with talent ID [I'll] be able to form a better picture of what a draftable talent is and work a little bit more closely with individual players to get their skillset ready to go so they can perform on a Saturday." The prolific midfielder admitted being an assistant coach would have its challenges after three years in a head coaching role. "I'll work with the mids pretty closely in the 19s and 17s," he said. "It's a little bit more opportunity to work with the development of an individual player, and to be able to work with some of the Northern kids is something I think will improve me as a coach and hopefully I can add some things to them that'll improve them and bolster our stocks." Whitford will be succeeded in the top job at North Launceston by fellow gun midfielder Brad Cox-Goodyer following a career that yielded club four best and fairests, seven TSL team of the year selections and two player of the year awards. Together with Cox-Goodyer and North defender Jack Avent, he is one of just three players to have played in each of the past seven TSL grand finals. MORE SPORT: Supercars locked in for 2021 Tassie visit Cricket Tasmania denies 'absurd' BBL finance claims Westbury veteran happy with 400th A-grade wicket
MOVING ON: Former North Launceston coach Taylor Whitford. Picture: Paul Scambler
Exiting North Launceston coach Taylor Whitford has revealed his next move.
Fresh from leading the Northern Bombers to three consecutive TSL grand finals, the 28-year-old has taken up an offer to join AFL Tasmania's coaching program.
Whitford will run the state's Northern hub and assist Cameron Joyce on gameday for the Tassie Devils' girls' and boys' under-17 and under-19 sides.
The five-time premiership player hasn't completely ruled out playing in some capacity in 2021, but for the time being is looking no further than sinking his teeth into the new role.
Whitford said he had been happy to stay in Tasmania or move interstate to pursue his next challenge and was eager to take the next step in his coaching career.
"I think it's something that can make me a better coach," said Whitford, who began the new role last week.
"I feel working with Cam Joyce and the guys at AFL Tas will enhance my skillset.
"Working with talent ID [I'll] be able to form a better picture of what a draftable talent is and work a little bit more closely with individual players to get their skillset ready to go so they can perform on a Saturday."
The prolific midfielder admitted being an assistant coach would have its challenges after three years in a head coaching role.
"I'll work with the mids pretty closely in the 19s and 17s," he said.
"It's a little bit more opportunity to work with the development of an individual player, and to be able to work with some of the Northern kids is something I think will improve me as a coach and hopefully I can add some things to them that'll improve them and bolster our stocks."
Whitford will be succeeded in the top job at North Launceston by fellow gun midfielder Brad Cox-Goodyer following a career that yielded club four best and fairests, seven TSL team of the year selections and two player of the year awards.
Together with Cox-Goodyer and North defender Jack Avent, he is one of just three players to have played in each of the past seven TSL grand finals.
