IT'S been a quiet start to the summer in the Ballarat Football League with coaching appointments kept to a minimum.
Bacchus Marsh’s signing of Footscray legend Doug Hawkins is by far the biggest name to join the senior ranks, while his former Bulldogs’ teammate Rod MacPherson will lead arch rivals Darley for the second straight year.
It’s a similar theme for the majority of clubs, with most keeping a stability-first approach.
Lake Wendouree will be hoping Gavin Webb, in his second year at the helm, can deliver a finals appearance after a disappointing 2012 season.
It’s a similar story for perennial strugglers Sebastopol and Melton, who have reappointed Shawne Dummett and Bob Heaney respectively.
Sunbury’s Rick Horwood will also be back in the box next year chasing back to back flags, while East-Point champion Dan Jordan will saddle up again for his third year in charge of the Kangaroos.
Another star full forward set to hold the whiteboard is Melton South veteran Matthew Sutton.The Panthers announced before the end of the season that current coach Shane Geddes would step down and assume the role of football manger, allowing Sutton to take the reins of his beloved club.
Redan co-coach and star midfielder Brendan Peace has opted to relinquish his duties, leaving non-playing mentor Eammon Gill to carry the load at the Ballarat-based Lions.
After a promising season ended in grand-final misery, Gill will be out to prove his side still has what it takes to compete with the likes of Sunbury.
Despite speculation that change was in the air at North Ballarat City, coach Rob Waters looks set to continue in the role of senior coach.
City’s late charge at the premiership showed his side was capable against the best and they could be the one to watch in the new year.
Rounding out the appointments is the Ballarat Swans, who have turned to 2008 premiership hero Ash Baker after the departure of Shane Hutchinson.
Baker, who famously kicked a goal after the siren to steal the 2008 decider, has his sights on leading the young Swans back to September glory.
But the consistent midfielder will need to find a replacement for Hutchinson in order to remain competitive.
