NEW Kolora-Noorat assistant coach Ben Walsh is a student of the game.
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The Emmanuel College teacher believes he’s ready to put his knowledge to the test as Power mentor Danny Finn’s right-hand man.
Walsh, 29, will join the Warrnambool and District league club via Hampden powerhouse Koroit for the 2017 football season.
The midfielder, who played 95 senior games at the Saints over a 12-year period which included stints away in Ballarat and Perth, said he wanted to “dip his toe into coaching”.
“Being a teacher, I’ve always loved teaching the game,” Walsh said.
“I love watching it and like to think I have an understanding as well.
“I’ve done a lot with juniors, so I’d like the challenge of working with seniors.”
Finn said Walsh, who is his cousin, would be a handy addition to the Power, on and off the field.
“He’s a pretty deep thinker of the game and goes above and beyond in his preparation,” he said.
“We’re hoping to develop him into a coach-in-waiting.
“His experience at Koroit under really good coaches and a couple of years in Ballarat and Perth with the Fremantle Football Club with his employment through SEDA – I think with all those things that he’ll bring a lot to the footy club.”
Walsh said family connections – his wife Sheree’s family also lives across the road from the Noorat Recreation Reserve – helped him make his decision.
The hard-working midfielder leaves Koroit on good terms. He was one of three players omitted from the star-studded Saints’ grand final side.
“I put everything into this year at Koroit, and just fell short (of playing in a premiership) which I am comfortable with,” Walsh said.
“It was really difficult (to miss out) but the thing that made it easier was I didn’t disagree with the decision.
“I knew they’d made the right call. I knew with our best side and the (North Ballarat Rebels) kids available that I’d probably struggle.
“They were upfront and honest with me and that made it easier.”
Walsh said outgoing Koroit coach Adam Dowie would be a source of knowledge as he embarks on his own coaching career.
“I learned a lot off of Adam and talk to him about footy a lot,” he said.
“He’ll continue to be a good mentor. I know I’ve got his support.”
Kolora-Noorat is looking to respond from a straight sets finals exit next season.
Walsh said it was an exciting time to join the Power.
“They’re pretty driven and I know the club expects to be successful,” he said.
Stephen O’Connor has also committed to the Power after a two-year stint overseas.
“He’s a quality midfielder-half back who has proven he has a lot of leadership,”Finn said.
“He uses the ball well. We’re rapt to have him back. He is rated highly internally.”
He’s a pretty deep thinker of the game and goes above and beyond in his preparation.
- Danny Finn on Ben Walsh