OGs strengthen 2019 hopes, re-sign Bourke

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead

Old Geelong’s quest to solidify their spot in Premier B strengthened with senior coach Nick Bourke re-signing for the 2019 season.

Bourke, who joined OGs in 2015 as Director of Football before taking the coaching reins in 2017, led his side to a grand final appearance against Fitzroy this season and promotion to Premier B for the first time since 1958.

While they were unable to claim the premiership en route to the VAFA’s second-highest section, OGs President James Wright was buoyant about the senior side’s chances next year in his post-season report.

“As is the cyclical nature of amateur football, when a club hits a peak such as promotion or a premiership, you can be forgiven to think that there may be a natural churn of the playing list,” Wright said.

“A brief analysis of our young list will instil a confidence that our boys are just getting started and we will retain the vast majority of our players heading into season 2019.

“The average age of our senior grand final team was just 23, indicating that the best football is still to come for many of our players.”

Wright was glowing in his endorsement of Bourke and the club’s decision to appoint him as coach of both the seniors and reserves this year.

“A big change made this year was having Nick Bourke coach both the senior and reserve means teams, with the stated goal of achieving an overarching game plan and better integration between the sides,” he said.

“The second-placed finish and excellent grand final performance was testament to this decision, and I’m certain we’ve seen the development of many young players that can push onto senior football in coming years.”

Bourke has an incredible VAFA resume as a former President, Big V coach, three-time Old Xaverians premiership coach, 200-game player and Big V Champion.

Feature photo: Old Geelong FC