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Video: Skipworth looks to develop youth

Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

Newly appointed Bendigo coach Hayden Skipworth says he is looking forward to developing a young side ahead of the 2012 VFL season.

Watch the full interview here on BomberTV →

Skipworth, who played 11 games for the Bombers, said he was thrilled at the opportunity of leading Bendigo after learning of his appointment from Essendon coach James Hird.

“It is another step forward in terms of my development as a coach and I was rapt when Hirdy offered me the role as senior coach of Bendigo,” Skipworth said.

“My whole goal is to continue to develop the young guys both on the Essendon and Bendigo list so hopefully I can bring a development side to the coaching role as well as adding a few little touches that will be different.”

Speaking exclusively to BomberTV, Skipworth said working under the likes of James Hird and Bomber Thompson had influenced his personal coaching style, as the former midfielder looks to bring a similar game plan to Bendigo next season.

“I am learning off them every day and they’re great coaches to have around me. It is really good to learn off the best and we certainly have a number of ‘state-of-the-art’ coaches,” he said.

“The game plan won’t change too much as I’d imagine it will be a similar sort of style. There may be a few things we tinker with but there will be nothing too drastic that changes.”

Skipworth revealed his interest in developing Essendon’s younger players was a major factor in his acceptance of the senior coaching role for Bendigo. The 29-year-old said he was also impressed by the debut's of Ariel Steinberg, Michael Ross, Luke Davis and Alex Browne for the VFL side last season.

“Hopefully they can all come on and get a regular senior spot. Obviously, Alex and Rossy played (senior) games last season and Ariel and Lukey played most of their games with Bendigo so hopefully they can all get a bit bigger and stronger and more game knowledge in to them this pre-season.”

Echoing coach James Hird’s sentiments earlier in the week, Skipworth said recruiting a fourth ruckman in the upcoming 2011 NAB AFL Draft was important for Bendigo.

“Hopefully the recruiters look after us and draft or rookie another ruckman,” Skipworth said.

“Obviously we have Paddy (Ryder), Tommy (Bellchambers) and Hille but like Hirdy said this week, we’d be hoping the recruiters can draft a ruckman for us to replace Josh Jenkins.”

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PLAYER PROFILE: Luke Davis
PLAYER PROFILE: Michael Ross
PLAYER PROFILE: Ariel Steinberg

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seems to be a lot of tactics in this recruiting game. likened to a chess game. Go for checkmate Dons. Good luck with your picks.

- Gail Taylor (posted 16/11/2011 5:31:18 PM)

Skippy the Bush Bomber

- alec shiffman (posted 16/11/2011 6:42:34 PM)

Really rapt to see Hayden get the job, has very good footy brain.

- Mark McLachlan (posted 16/11/2011 7:01:16 PM)

Agree with you Gail. Seems a little fishy we let go of Jenkins so easily, but obviously have a ruck shortage. Something up their sleeve, we all want to know what, but we know we will have to wait... GO DONS

- George Choueiri (posted 16/11/2011 9:07:17 PM)

recruit a ruckman to replace josh. hmmm. doh.

- Bob Davies (posted 16/11/2011 9:45:55 PM)

James appreciates that sort of support Bob... Wonder how all the recruiting game cards fall once they are all thrown up in the air,the new AFL pets skim all the cream off the top,and who the wise men in charge of recruiting decide in the end who best fits our needs...Good Luck all :-)

- M. Dickson-Davies (posted 16/11/2011 10:46:29 PM)

When I saw the image on the homepage I thought Hayden was coming back to play ;) Everyone is wondering about the whole ruck issue. All I can say is that Hirdy was taught by the master of mind games (and that is a good thing!). There are fun times ahead for the Might Bombers :)

- Samantha Whitelaw (posted 17/11/2011 8:40:50 AM)

Great to see here that footage of Browne and Ross playing for Essendon seniors-- you could see the energy and purpose they injected. They (and Ariel) are the catalysts we need for success in 2012.

- Thomas Faunce (posted 17/11/2011 9:28:50 AM)

Glad to hear Skippy say it's his goal to develop youth.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 17/11/2011 1:18:50 PM)

Skippy used to mentor the boys when he was playing with the BB. Looks like he will continue in the same vein.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 17/11/2011 1:35:49 PM)

You are a funny man M. Dickson-Davies!!! Good to see all the Davies - Bob, Margaret come out and support each other.

- Alan De Menezes (posted 17/11/2011 1:42:31 PM)

you tell 'em Bob. Common sense is nothing to be ashamed of young man!

- Joyce Shields (posted 17/11/2011 1:48:10 PM)

nice of you to support my bobby Joyce.Wifes,mothers and girlfriends understand what i mean we support our men

- M. Dickson-Davies (posted 17/11/2011 5:51:44 PM)

Joyce,what a surprise to see another Shields.. :-) Besides myself,and a nephew who will not be renewing m'ship next year,you are the third I have seen on this site :-) Having just taken in warm milk to my Joyce,a Carlton supporter & member,I know it is not her on this forum... So will be very interesting to view your thoughts and opinions from here on in,just to see who you support/link up with and befriend... Go Bombers :-) :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 18/11/2011 1:22:09 AM)

Oh, my rodent's pyjamas!!? Margaret Dickson, Bob Davies, M. Dickson-Davies, F. Scott Fitzgerald...?? Is this 'The Waltons' or somethang??? Funnily enough, back on topic, John Walton did say, "I hate this draft job, Liv. I can't stand playing God to my neighbors' sons!", which is probably how Andy-D (as opposed to Ali-G) feels about handing all that talent to GWS! Anyhow, you Billy Milligan-type personalities work it out in time for next week, hey? Goodnight Jim-Bob, goodnight everybody.

- Kris Bayne (posted 18/11/2011 2:53:43 AM)

Geez... I hope that little bridge can handle all the extra weight.. Engineering safety report on the cards before all you Davies/Dicksons/Waltons commence crossing ?!? Goodnight Kris :-)

- Noel Shields (posted 18/11/2011 12:45:25 PM)