Friars star climbs new Heights with Hawks

Whitefriars will enter the 2022 season without star midfielder and premiership coach, Kristan Height, after he was recently appointed to the Hawthorn FC/Box Hill Hawks coaching staff.

Height, who led the Friars to the 2019 Division 2 premiership as an undefeated champion team, will join newly appointed Hawks coach Sam Mitchell as he continues his coaching dream.

“As a club we could not be more proud and more excited for the opportunity that he has earned,” the club said.

“Since his appointment in late 2017 Kristan worked tirelessly to improve the club.

“From the commencement of the first pre-season Heighty worked tirelessly with the committee to shift the professionalism of the playing group and the club as a while.

“Under Heighty the seniors reached the pinnacle in 2019, winning the premiership and going undefeated for the season.

“Heighty and the seniors have demonstrated that they were capable of the promotion challenge in 2021 as they were equal top of the ladder when the season was brought to a halt.”

From an individual perspective, Height has dominated in Whitefriars colours, winning the Division 2 Fullerton Medal in 2019 and twice being named the club’s Simon Strike Medallist as the B&F.

The Fullerton Medal was Height’s fourth league best & fairest award after claiming the Goulburn Valley Morrison Medal (2010), Ovens and Murray Morris Medal (2014), and Bendigo League Michelsen Medal (2016).

During his time in the VAFA, Height was also named vice-captain of the successful Big V B-Div 4 side that defeated the Perth FL by 31 points at Fremantle Oval.

Upon his departure, Height thanked the club and the playing group for their “commitment, effort, sacrifice and support”.

“The club is full of great people and talented footballers and over the last 4 years I have thoroughly enjoyed my time coaching and playing for Whitefriars while progressing my development as a coach, player and person,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the continued development, success and growth of the Whitefriars Football Club as we continue the journey in the VAFA. Go Friars!”