After two seasons as cellar dwellers, the Shellharbour Suns have called in a big gun as they aim to rise up the AFL South Coast ladder.
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The Suns have announced the appointment of Russell Stewart as their Men's Premier Division head coach for the 2021 season.
Stewart brings a wealth of experience to the role. His highlights include coaching the Australian National University senior team and being assistant coach at TAC Cup clubs, Northern Knights and Western Jets.
Now, Stewart arrives at a club which has clinched just one win in their past two seasons: he knows it will be a tough task to help the team become more competitive.
"Looking at their results, they've not had the best of times, but I think they're still a relatively new club," he said. "It will be exciting to come in and help them achieve something a lot better than they have over the last couple of years.
"I'm really excited about the challenge."
Stewart was drawn to the role after chatting with Suns president Stephen Ashworth and vice-president Graeme Perry, who spoke passionately about the club.
The pair also encouraged Stewart to actively promote the club in the local indigenous community.
"I'm from an indigenous background and they've spoken highly about their connections with the indigenous players they have, and try make it a club of choice for indigenous people," he said.
"It fits in well with where I want to go with my life, not only for football, but connecting with indigenous players and communities."