New Club Development Manager for Labrador
Labrador filled another vital position in their quest for State League credibility with the appointment of Tim Baker as their club development manager this week.
Baker joins coach Byron Donnellon and president David Loft in trying to turn around the fortunes of the Tigers after a 2006 season in which they won just three games.
Baker played junior football in Ballarat and became a trainee and then development manager with the North Ballarat VFL side.
He worked closely with Brisbane Lions young gun Jed Adcock, Hawthorn tyro Brad Sewell and Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin as young teenagers.
A total of 12 players were drafted or rookie listed from Ballarat during Baker's time there and 11 of them have gone on to play senior football.
It is a strike-rate that he would love to see replicated at Labrador, whose sole draftee in recent years has been Hawk Michael Osborne.
"I had some phone calls from people I know in Queensland telling me there had been some jobs in football advertised there lately and that sparked my interest," Baker said of his imminent move north.
"I obviously spoke to some of the guys in AFL Queensland, and Labrador impressed me when I spoke to them about the way they wanted to go.
"They seem to be on the right track and hopefully there are some good times ahead."
Baker's appointment was quickly followed by the announcement that former Brisbane and Port Adelaide player Aaron Shattock will join the club next year.
"It was great to get someone of his calibre and to sign for three years shows his commitment," Baker said.
"Winning games is important at senior level but we've got to concentrate on getting good kids coming through."
Baker starts in his new role in the first week of January.
Last Modified on 24/11/2006 15:22