I am delighted to announce that Matthew Hannebery will serve as senior coach for the remainder of 2018.

Matt joined the Old Xavs after leaving school, playing for our club in 1983-84 before moving to Footscray, where he spent the next six seasons. He then returned to the Red 'n' Blacks and was appointed club captain in 1992.

He coached our club in 1993-94, and the senior team reached the finals in both years. His efforts were lauded as setting up the Old Xaverians for the dividends reaped in 1995-2000, when the club won an unprecedented six Premier section flags in consecutive years.

When Barry Richardson took the coaching reins in 1995, Matt re-assumed the captaincy and led his team to premierships in that year and in 1996.

'Hanners' has subsequently served our club as an Assistant coach, Chairman of Selectors and Football Director. He is a Life Member and the current Vice President of our club.

Matt will lead a strong coaching team. We are thrilled that the well-credentialled Dan Donati and Pat Hawkins will continue as Assistant Coaches.

They will be joined in the box by former Adelaide Crows midfielder, Liston Trophy winner and AFL Development Coach, James Byrne, who has supported and watched our club for the past three seasons.

Ralph O’Shaughnessy, who has worked in AFL and Old Xaverians coaching boxes through the years, will serve as opposition analyst and assist with Structure, People and Leadership, which is his professional domain.

We are confident that their expertise and experience, and that of our Football Director Murray Browne, will complement the resolve evident in our playing group, and guide them to greater success.

All of these have played key roles in premierships at VAFA level or above. We believe that despite the unexpected changes forced upon us, and our senior team's slow start to the year, our prospects remain bright.

Old Xaverians are indeed fortunate to have so many people who care deeply about the fortunes of our team, our club, and the young men and women who wear our guernsey with pride each week. I have been gratified by the offers of help that have come from so many.

We remain united in our commitment to providing the greatest opportunities for all our players to achieve their potential and to be a part of teams that achieve great things.

Matthew Cosgrave

President

Old Xaverians Football Club

All enquiries to Matt Cosgrave on 0409 511 684

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