PLAYER CHANGES
Ins: George Maxwell (Stanhope), Todd van Roy (Tongala), Nick Woods (Tongala), Liam Edwards (Heathcote), Jonathan Pearson (Stanhope), Layne Baker (Rushworth), Kyle McLean (Rushworth), Anton Pearce (Undera), Mitch Dickason (Undera), Josh Patmore (Rumbalara)
Outs: Rex Taylor, Corey Wanganeen (Fitzroy Stars), Jacob McNicol (Tullamarine), Luke Whykes (Yeppoon AFC), Jordan Clarke (Old Scotch)
Girgarre was rocked on the eve of the upcoming season with a bombshell development.
Playing coach Damian Cupido stepped down from his duties due to personal reasons, however the gun forward will remain as a player as he looks to replicate his century of goals kicked in 2022.
Girgarre president Mathew Graetz reiterated the club would be there to support Cupido.
“We will support him in any way we can help — if that’s a phone call or catching up for a coffee, whatever it is,” Graetz said.
Brendan Baumann, Girgarre’s director of football and a Girgarre life member, will take on the role of senior coach.
Graetz said keeping things consistent was a big factor in appointing Baumann, adding the club was still confident it could compete for a finals spot again this season despite the change in coaches.
“Brendan has been working with Damian for the last year-and-a-half. We thought the best thing we could do was appoint someone from within the group so it is a seamless transition,” Graetz said.
“We have faith in the list that we have. We can’t see there being any dramatic change. The same goals are still there, the same aspirations are still there.”