Ben McGee to take Colts forward in 2019
The 2019 season is shaping up to have one of the great Eagles coaching lineups, which has been bolstered by the appointment of Ben McGee as head coach of our Colts (U20s).
This comes after former Colts head coach Troy Atkins took a step further in his rugby coaching career by taking on the role of Director of Rugby and 1st-Grade assistant coach for 2019.
Ben’s knowledge of the game and experience in high-performance rugby environments as a player and coach, combined with his six years as a high-school teacher at Daramalan College make him the perfect fit for the Colts set up.
Ben’s credentials speak for themselves.
McGee has already commenced planning for the 2019 season and says after the club’s planning day and leadership workshop for all players this weekend (20 Oct) it will all start to feel like we’re back into the rugby season.
Ben says “I’m very excited to take on the role of head coach for the Colts in 2019. I have been very fortunate over the past 15 years to learn from some of Australia’s greatest players and Canberra’s best coaches. Each coach I have played for has educated me on different elements of the game and I hope to take those lessons into my coaching.”
“It’s a privilege to be a part of this rich tradition and play a part in the future success of the Eagles. I know the Eagles pride themselves on a club that not only provides the best possible development for players but support in all areas.”
“I will be looking to provide the Colts with the best opportunities to further their skills through position specific training and feedback based development.”
The club is thrilled to welcome back (after two years overseas) a tremendous clubman in Anthony Dawes to fill the role of assistant coach for the colts next season.
Ben will also have the support of Damian Ross throughout the year, who has been a wonderful attribute to the club as a trainer and runner on game day bringing his experience and expertise to the young playing group.
McGee says “I have learnt so much from Troy Atkins in 2019 and I know Dawesey and myself will continue his hard work on future proofing the club and developing players that will push for 1st-grade selections in the years to come. The three of us along with Damian Ross as great support will have a strong focus on fundamental skill development and we want to deliver our training in a way that combines real skill training and fun,”.
Anthony Dawes has played 150 games for the club, 109 of which in 1st grade. He won the Eagles 1st-Grade Best & Fairest in 2008, and was the club’s leading point scorer for both the 2009 and 2010 seasons. A crowd favourite, Dawes returns to the club and has already generated a lot of excitement amongst the current and old playing groups about what he will bring to the club.
Anthony Dawes crosses the line for Eagles 1st-Grade early in his playing days.
Anthony says “After spending the last 2 seasons overseas, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the club and helping to develop our young Eagles into future 1st-Grade players.”
“I’m hoping I can pass on some of the club’s rich history to new eagles and help the club achieve the results we deserve,” he added.
“McGee and I have spent most of our footy career playing alongside each other and I look forward to developing a great coaching team with him next year”.