From Bayside Leader, 20th Sept,P43... by Paul Amy
New Coach for Zebs
Out Gilbee, in Hamill. St Kilda has shuffled its group of assistants, appointing Aaron “Sammy’’ Hamill as coach of its VFL partner Sandringham.
The former Carlton and Saints forward replaces Lindsay Gilbee, who had only one season with the Zebras. Under the former Western Bulldogs star Sandringham finished with eight wins and 10 losses, missing the top eight on percentage after winning a final in 2016. But the Zebras had a far more inexperienced squad this year — the likes of Trent Dennis-Lane, Cameron Shenton and Tom Lee were no longer around and captain Tom Curren failed to play a game through injury — and Gilbee was seen by Sandringham officials to have done a good job.
Selection — having to regularly play three St Kilda ruckmen and some international rookies still coming to grips with the game — did him no favours. He promoted a string of young Zebras to the team in the second half of the season.
Gilbee also showed a keen appreciation of the history of the club and the wider competition.
He will stay with the Saints in a development role. “It’s really important for our coaches to have new challenges and opportunities to diversify their skills,” St Kilda football manager Jamie Cox said of the change. “Lindsay did a fantastic job at Sandringham this season, with a number of our players recapturing form with the Zebras before returning to play a vital role in the senior side.
“Aaron has also been a vital part of our group, looking after the forwards at AFL level and will now have responsibility of overseeing his own team in 2018.” Hamill has been an assistant with the Saints since 2012.
Sandringham GM John Mennie thanked Gilbee for his efforts this season, and welcomed Hamill to the Trevor Barker Oval.
“Lindsay’s insight and football knowledge has been invaluable for our young players this year,” Mennie said. “We thank him for all his hard work and wish him well in his ongoing role at St Kilda. Having Aaron at the helm will be a great opportunity for both the younger Saints boys and the Sandringham listed players to learn off another really experienced AFL player and accomplished coach.”
Hamill had 190 AFL appearances from 1996 to 2006, kicking 239 goals.He captained the Saints in 2003.
Over to you Billy
