Premiership winning coach switches to Central Giants for 2017

September 12, 2016

Robert Malone has moved on from the 2016 Premiership winning team the Western Crows and will take on the lead coaching roles at the Central Giants.

With 2016 Giants coach Shannon Wall unavailable for the lead role in 2017, the move in coaching personnel is the first of several expected changes in coaching appointments for the upcoming 2017 season commencing in February.

Australian born Malone, has a lengthy history with the game in New Zealand. His composure, knowledge and experience is an asset to the developing sport and this was never more evident than with his efforts as Assistant Coach through the victorious 2005 International Cup campaign where New Zealand secured their best result in the Cups fourteen year history.

rob-malone-image — Rob Malone coached the Western Crows in the inaugural 2016 AFLNZ Premiership

Rob has recently been appointed as the New Zealand Senior coach who will lead the Hawks charge towards the 2017 International Cup to take place in Melbourne in August 2017. This follows on from the lead coaching role with the New Zealand Senior team against AFL Academy and assistant coaching position with the 2014 International Cup. He is well noted for an eye to spot talent and currently assists in this capacity to support AFL recruitment.

A playing career that commenced in the West Australian Football League, netting over 125 games and 3 Premierships with the Claremont and West Perth Football clubs, reached its greatest heights when Malone was listed with the St Kilda Football Club for the 1992 / 93 seasons.

Malone stated, “I’m keen to progress with the Giants and I’m sure that our base playing list can be well supplemented by some of the emerging talent coming through from the Regional Youth Competitions. Depending on which 13 players are retained by each club, it will be interesting to see what opportunities arise from players transitioning from other clubs in the National Draft.”

The Preliminary Draft List will not include overseas players but they may be selected in the Wild Card draft category. A full analysis of the AFL New Zealand National Draft will be made available following the release of team names and coaches.