Stoneham, Wiener join Big V coaching panel

The coaching panel for this year’s senior Big V program has been finalised ahead of the July 8 clash against AFL Victoria Country, with former Geelong captain, Barry Stoneham, and former Australian Test cricketer, Julien Wiener, joining for the first time.

Stoneham, who has previously worked as an assistant with head coach Stuart Powell at St Kevin’s, played 241 games for the Cats between 1986 and 2000 and captained for four years. He already has a close relationship with the Big V after representing Victoria on seven occasions.

Powell will return as head coach after first entering the program last year and will be re-joined by assistants Dave Murray, Steve Powell and Andrew Leoncelli.

Former Australian Test cricketer, Julien Wiener, will also join the panel as runner after he also worked alongside Powell during his time at Ajax. Wiener’s international experience will be invaluable as the Big V looks to claim their first senior representative win in two years.

Coaching panel

Senior coach: Stuart Powell

Powell had a promising playing career at a higher level cut short due to injury. He took up coaching at an early age in development football and coached AJAX, SKOB and Old Scotch FC. Coached just over 150 games of VAFA football, primarily in A and B Grade; including, an outstanding record of six finals campaigns in eight seasons.

Assistant Coach: Dave Murray

Murray is former Big V VAFA representative and played in five flags with Mazenod. He has vast experience in the coaching world and coached flags at both Mazenod and SKOB. He has also worked with Carlton, Collingwood and Hawthorn as High Performance Manager.

Midfield Coach: Steve Powell

Powell had a distinguished AFL career, playing 142 games for Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and St Kilda. He played one amateur game for OM’s prior to being drafted to Western Bulldogs.

Backs Coach: Andrew Leoncelli

Drafted from the VAFA and Old Xavs to Melbourne Football Club, Leoncelli played 146 AFL games with the Dees. He won a flag with Old Xavs and is a former VAFA Big V representative and Victorian AFL Big V representative.

Forwards Coach: Barry Stoneham

Stoneham is a previous assistant coach at SKOB’s after an AFL career spanning 241 games for the Geelong Football Club. He captained the Cats for four years, played seven state games for the Big V and is a former All-Australian player (1992).

Runner: Julien Wiener

Wiener is a former Australian cricketer who played in six Tests and seven one-day internationals from 1979 to 1980. A right-handed opening batsman and a very occasional off spin bowler, until Michael Klinger’s debut he was the only known Jewish Australian to represent his country at cricket. He played football for the AJAX and has been the chairman of selectors and runner.