TRADITIONAL powerhouse Nestles has promoted a long-time junior mentor to its top coaching role as its youngsters continue to press claims for division one selection.
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Factory’s reigning division one player of the year, Geoff Williams, will replace outgoing captain Kyle Humphrys and club legend Gary MacLean in the dual role.
Williams, who has been involved with Nestles’ junior program for the last eight years, described the promotion as “an honour and a privilege”.
“When I found out, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” he told The Standard.
When I found out, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
- Geoff Williams
“For the last few seasons I’ve been vice-captain and we’ve made the commitment to develop our juniors in division one.
“We’re all pretty much still (at the club) and it felt like the right thing to move on together.”
The 29-year-old admitted his charges would be young, but said there was no reason why they couldn’t push for a finals berth on the back of a sixth place effort this season.
He said the team would primarily carry a “win at all costs” mentality but considered skill and personal development just as crucial.
“Competition for those spots in division two and one is high and we want to put wins on the board,” Williams said.
“We’re definitely capable of pushing for finals. In the couple of two-day games we lost this year, we failed to chase down 120-odd and 90. It probably comes down to application.
“But we’ve got another 15 or so division one games into our team and most of the boys are now pushing that 30 to 40 (division one) game mark, and there are a few now up around that 50-game mark.
“We’re looking to take the next step… and to seize the moment when we can win important games.”
