Change is in the air at the Katamatite Football Netball Club, with James Hazelman set to take the senior football coaching reins for the 2023 Picola and District League season.
The former Barooga mentor will step into the role to replace Jedd Wright next season, with Wright making the jump to Goulburn Valley League side Shepparton Swans.
Hazelman arrives at the club after a strong career at Barooga, with the talent a former captain and playing coach at the Hawks.
He is also well connected to the Tigers, with his father, Greg, coaching Katamatite in the early 1990s and members of his mother’s family involved with the club over a number of years.
Hazelman said after some time away from the coaches’ box he was re-energised to return.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into it,” Hazelman said.
“Super excited to go somewhere different and hopefully we can build towards some success as well.”
The new mentor explained that he would be looking to build on the groundwork laid by outgoing coach Jedd Wright.
Wright, who will step up to the GVL next year, spoke to the Shepparton News regarding his departure last week.
He said the exciting young list at the Shepparton Swans made it pretty hard to turn down a coaching offer.
“Stepping into the GV, which is one of the top country leagues in Victoria, is very exciting and a challenge I can’t wait to get stuck into,” Wright said.
“First of all we just want to make sure we keep the whole list from this year, which is looking really promising.
“And then after that it will be a case of having a look at what areas we might need to try and improve and recruit really good people that want to help the club both on and off the field.”
Katamatite president Casey Brown said the club had been chasing Hazelman for some time, with Wright providing plenty of notice of his exit.
“As most clubs know around the district, it’s not a good time to be without a coach,” Brown said.
“There’s every chance we could’ve been in trouble but he (Wright) let us know and that gave us every chance to find a new coach.”
With the future of Katamatite’s senior football team in safe hands, the club will be able to focus its attention on the final two PDL games and the upcoming finals series.