IANNELLO WINS JUNIOR COACH OF THE YEAR

The VAFA would like to congratulate Rocky Iannello on being named the 2014 VAFA Junior Coach of the Year. Iannello led St Bernard’s to the MEGT U19 Premier Section premiership after they finished the home and away season with a 16-2 record. 
Iannello’s role for the 2014 season started in his capacity as St Bernard’s Football Academy Director. As the architect of the football component of a dedicated 10 week, 20 session pre-season football academy for 15 to 19 year olds, Iannello was instrumental in developing the football skills that led to each one of the club’s three under age teams making their respective 2014 grand final’s. 
Iannello has been a coach, mentor to players and other unders coaches alike, whilst also taking the role as chairman of selectors, and the clear leader of an incredibly strong year for the St Bernard’s unders program. 
Claiming the ultimate prize, a premiership, in such a high quality and competitive section like MEGT U19 Premier speaks volumes for the development Rocky was responsible for amongst his premiership team.  
Iannello was so involved in St Bernard’s football this year he brought his wife and two young children in as part of his team; they attended games, training, celebrations and even team selection on some Thursday nights. 
Iannello was named Junior Coach of the Year ahead of a very competitive field including: John Cesario (Hampton Rovers) – U19 South; Paul Deegan (Mazenod) – VAFA Colts; Speros Beasley (Old Trinity) – U19 Section 2; Brad Shadbolt & Brad Low (Old Ivanhoe) – U19 Section 3; and Bill Emerson (Ivanhoe) – U19 North.