Sharks get a few nibbles for league job

Albany Sharks are on the hunt for a new senior coach after confirming Kim Mayfield has stood down following three years at the helm of the league team.

Mayfield, who is highly regarded within the game, joined the Sharks at the start of the 2017 season as a co-coach.

Mayfield led the Sharks to their second-ever league victory earlier this year when they defeated Denmark-Walpole by 21 points in round one.

However at the end of this season Mayfield informed the Sharks he would not be seeking another term in the role.

Newly appointed president Cameron Bergsma praised Mayfield for his efforts as senior coach over the past three years.

“Kim has been a wonderful servant of our club over the past three years, and whilst he may have finished his term as league coach, we continue to have his support,” Bergsma said.

“He has instilled a sense of belief into our players and members, that big things are possible, and we are extremely grateful for everything he has done for the Sharks, and the passion with which he did it.”

In 2018 Sharks lost all 15 games but Mayfield helped the playing group show significant improvement as eight of their losing margins were under 30 points.

Bergsma said the club had already had interest in the vacancy.

“We have received several applications for all of our coaching positions,” he said. “These are currently being reviewed by our panel, and we look forward to making appointments in the very near future.”

In a further change, president of five years Geoff Oldfield will not enter a sixth year and has been replaced by Bergsma for 2020.

“Geoff has been an incredible part of the Sharks story since their inauguration, and I know that he will always be a part of the Sharks family,” he said.

“He has served on our committee for the past nine years; the last five of those as club president.

“His work ethic, commitment and passion for our club has never wavered, and he has always been a member that leads from the front, by putting his hand up.

“We are sincerely grateful for his service, and look forward to seeing a more relaxed Geoff come game day.”

Bergsma was appointed to the role earlier this month and said he was ready for the challenge.