Byron Donnellon new Labrador coach
Quality player and clubman Byron Donnellon will coach Labrador in the 2007 AFLQ State League.
The Tigers announced Donnellon's appointment today following an exhaustive process in search of a replacement for former Kangaroos premiership player Mark Roberts.
Donnellon was informed of his successful application on Monday night.
He coached the Labrador reserve grade side in 2006 following an outstanding playing career in regional Victoria and Queensland.
Donnellon captained the Tigers from 1998 and 2002 and also acted as an assistant to coaches Brett Thompson and Rowan Wright over a four-year period.
He won three best and fairest awards at Labrador and was thought of so highly that he was selected in the Labrador Team of the Century.
Prior to moving to Labrador, "Butch" Donnellon played with Lara in the GFL for six years, during which time he won two best and fairest awards.
He also represented Victorian Country at three national championships and was All-Australian Country in 1994.
"Butch has a strong work ethic and will be demanding a lot from his troops in the pre-season to prepare them for another competitive year of football in Division 1," Labrador said in a statement released today.
"His job will be made easier by having a great deal of respect from the playing group who have expressed positive feedback about the club's decision.
"Butch and the club are now busily putting together the off-field team for 2007 and will be starting their pre-season in the next few weeks."
Last Modified on 24/11/2006 15:24