Hawthorn AFC reappoint fab 5 for 2021

Hawthorn AFC have locked in five coaches ahead of 2021, with David Knight (Men’s) and Dee Longwill (Women’s) leading the senior sides.

Both Knight and Longwill were set to embark on their first year in charge at Rathmines in 2020 before the season’s cancellation.

Knight joined the Hawks from Box Hill Hawks’ VFL side after honing his skills with Forest Hill and Vermont U19’s in the EFL. The Hawks’ men’s side will enter 2021 in Division 3 and in search of the club’s first senior flag since 1998 (F Section).

Longwill came to the Nest with VFLW and TAC Cup Girls experience after coaching the Dandenong Stingrays from 2017-18. She’ll be looking to help the women’s side to their third senior flag in four years of competition after they took out the Development Division 4 (2017) and Division 1 (2018) premierships in their first two years of VAFA Women’s.

The Hawks also reappointed Rick Gheller (Men’s Reserves), John Farah & Anthony Demetriou (Thirds).

Read the club’s full statement below:

Hawthorn Amateur Football Club is delighted to announce the following coaching re-appointments for season 2021.

David Knight – Men’s Senior Coach

David Knight has been reappointed as Men’s Senior Coach for the 2021 season. David was appointed for 2020, though due to COVID-19 did not get the chance to coach the Men’s Senior side on match day. David has set strong foundations for the men’s players regarding our game plan and structures which we look forward to seeing executed under match conditions in 2021.

‘Knighta’ has a wealth of coaching experience including Forest Hill (EFL), Vermont Under 19s (EFL) and most recently as an Assistant Coach of Box Hill Hawks Development team in 2016 & 2017 before moving to Development Coach of the VFL team in 2018 under Chris Newman.

Dee Longwill – Women’s Senior Coach

Dee Longwill has been reappointed as Women’s Coach for the 2021 season. Dee was appointed for 2020, but because of COVID-19, did not get the opportunity to coach the women’s side on match day. Dee has done a great job with getting a largely new look playing group to jell whilst further developing our players’ fundamental skills and understanding of the game.

Dee has some great coaching experience at VFLW level as well as being Head Coach of TAC Cup Girls side Dandenong Stingrays in 2017 & 2018, coaching numerous players who are now in the AFLW system.

Rick Gheller (Men’s Reserves Coach)

Rick has been reappointed as Men’s Reserves Coach for the 2021 season. Rick first joined the Club in 2017, and for the past two seasons was assistant coach of the Men’s Reserves side, the highlight being the 2018 Premiership. He has done a superb job during pre-season 2020, developing the fundamentals skills of our younger brigade along with some newcomers to the game.

‘Palatz’ has plenty of coaching experience at Forest Hill in the Reserves, Vets and Junior ranks, plus he won the President’s Award at Aquinas FC for establishing and coaching their first Under 18s team.

John Farah & Anthony Demetriou (Thirds Co-Coaches)

John Farah and Anthony Demetriou have been reappointed as Thirds Co-Coaches for the 2021 season. Anthony joined the Club in 2011, and John in 2012. Both have been part of all five of the Thirds’ Premierships and have multiple Club and League awards between them.

Ant and John have co-coached the Thirds since 2014 and 2015, respectively, and are currently completing their AFL Level 2 coaching accreditations. The Thirds have had great numbers on the track during an interrupted season 2020, and we look forward to seeing this enthusiasm carry into 2021.