World Footy News

Long time NEAFL/Queensland State League and Queensland Development Coach David Lake has not taken retirement lightly after finishing a successful 6 year stint coaching Mt Gravatt which included a State League Premiership in 2007. After finishing an encouraging Vultures season with a disappointing 2011 preliminary Final loss to Morningside he has now immersed himself in his expanded South Pacific coaching and mentoring role.

Lake spent the last 3 years on a limited basis coaching and assisting in South Pacific programs including National Coach of PNG Mosquitoes and assisting in its development programs and South Pacific and Oceania development squads. He has now stepped into an expanded role which includes the burgeoning academy programs in PNG, New Zealand and Fiji and his new role as South Pacific Coaching and Academy Co-ordinator.

This roles continues his direct involvement in Coaching the South Pacific squads to the Australian National U16 and U18 Championships but has been broadened to encompass the very strong academy program in PNG, the expanding New Zealand program and implementation of the Fiji academy program to service the whole Pacific. His ability to roll out the above plus use his experience to educate the staff and volunteers on the ground will be an added bonus to the increasing South Pacific foot print.

AFL Asia Pacific Manager Andrew Cadzow said when David decided to finish at Mt Gravatt the timing was perfect to expand the role.

“His experience in both Youth Development and Talent Outcomes not withstanding 6 years in the State league system has him perfectly positioned to structure and drive a development and talent program that is growing rapidly.”

Already his extensive travel throughout the Pacific and his commitment to mentoring both the Coaches and International Scholarship players positioned both overseas and here in Australia has reaped benefits with an increase in AFL Scholarship holders, increased International Academy participation, stronger coaching structure and improvement in the Pacific Youth Squads participating in the Oceania Cup and the various Pacific Squads.

David Lake in Pacific coaching mode.

WFN thanks Andrew Cadzow for his assistance in providing this article.