BONNIE Doon has its eyes fixed firmly on the start of the 2012 Ovens and King season after the club named star midfielder Darren Wheeler as senior coach.
The Doon Dogs were left as the last club looking for a coach after Bright signed Ryan Kent early last week.
But Bonnie Doon president Terry Dale revealed last Friday that the club was close to appointing a coach and those comments were backed up with the announcement of Wheeler.
Wheeler, 26, has been an assistant coach for two years under outgoing mentor Tony Cooksey and said he was delighted to get the chance to lead the club forward.
"It's a role I've always been interested in," he said.
"Coaching roles don't come up all that often so I'm happy this one has.
"I'm rapt that Terry Dale and Dave Darby have given me the chance to take on the role with the club."
Despite not making the finals this season, Wheeler said Cooksey had left the side in a strong position and the players were keen to get into training next week.
"I'm looking forward to it," he said.
"Cooksey has left us in a pretty good position and he has been invaluable with his leadership.
"With guys like him and Chris Dunne around I've certainly learnt a lot.
"With the players we've got and hoping we can recruit things are pretty exciting.
By - Jeremy Wilson.
NEW FACE: Darren Wheeler will coach Bonnie Doon in 2012.
Last Modified on 02/12/2011 08:18