Leo takes Tigerland reins

Railways have made their first significant off-season coaching move by securing experienced coach Troy Leo for the 2019 season.

Leo was announced as the Tigers’ new coach late last week, replacing player-coach Craig Frost, who opted not to enter a third season at the helm after taking the Tigers to the grand final and minor premiership this season.

Up to four Great Southern Football League clubs are set to be in the market for new league coaches for 2019, with Leo’s appointment a major boost for Railways, having been no stranger to success in the neighbouring Upper Great Southern Football League.

Leo coached Kukerin-Dumbleyung to two league premierships in the Upper Great Southern Football League in 2005 and 2006 and enjoyed two seasons of success coaching the Uppers side to two A-section titles at the Landmark Country Football Championships.

He has spent recent seasons coaching the Tigers 16s and colts teams, which rekindled his desire to coach a league side for the first time since 2011.

“I’m very excited to get the job — I’m pretty honoured actually,” Leo said.

“It wasn’t high on my agenda when I joined the club but when you get into the club and meet the people, you become invested and see where the club is going.

“You can see the young men and leaders at the club trying to go the right way.

“My experience with different clubs and that success can hopefully rub off.”

Leo said the club’s steps forward in recent seasons, young leaders, and talented youth had played a part in his decision to take the top job.

“I’ll be like the five other coaches — the aim will be to win a premiership,” he said.

“That of course is a long way off as there is plenty of hard work ahead, but I want to get some processes in place and get the group leading in the right direction.

“I want to set the club up in good stead so we can be a force to be reckoned with for 10 years.”

The Tigers are expected to fill their reserves, colts and 16s coaching positions in the coming weeks.