The Greater Western Sydney Giants have appointed Dermott Brereton as a specialist forwards coach.
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The five-time premiership player with Hawthorn has joined the AFL’s newest club as a part-time specialist coach, and will be bringing his expertise to the fledgling club’s forward-line.
Brereton, who kicked 464 goals in 211 games in a 14-year career, will be working with the young Giants’ forwards, and is particularly looking forward to helping shape the transformation of Israel Folau – from league international into AFL player.
The former Hawthorn great noted Izzy’s, build, speed and marking ability as existing building blocks, which can turn him into a dangerous forward.
The development of Folau is something Brereton sees as crucial to the spread of the game of Aussie rules itself, telling the Daily Telegraph “If Izzy can make a go of it, in 25 years from now, Aussie Rules will be the dominant code in this country, it’s that big,”
Folau would find himself in good company with Brereton as a mentor, with the Hawthorn Team of the century member previously giving guidance to Sav Rocca (748 career goals) at Collingwood, and a then teenage Jonathan Brown (498 goals) at Brisbane.
Graeme Allan, General Manager of Football operations for the Giants, praised the appointment, pointing to Brereton’s valuable experience.
“Dermott is widely acknowledged as one of the finest players of his generation. A tough, skilful performer who excelled in big matches and we believe he will be a great teacher for our young forwards,” he said.
