Jamieson steps up

Dunsborough footballer Matthew Jamieson will be the Augusta-Margaret River Hawks’ league coach in 2017.

Jamieson comes to the Hawks after a stint as South Bunbury’s director of coaching. He has previously played for South Fremantle and clubs around Australia.

Jamieson told the Times he wanted to encourage young players to reach their potential and help the club’s connection with Dunsborough players.

“It’s a great way to continue to build on that partnership we’ve got in place,” he said.

“I just want to see at Margaret River the kids who want to apply themselves to be the best footballers they can.

“I was really excited by the end of the season this year for the Hawks.”

Steve Cummings will replace Shane Payne as Hawks club president and said he was excited at Jamieson’s appointment, after two years using league player-coaches.

Cummings said 2016 player-coach Ben Gerrans did well this year “to finish the way we finished with such a young side”.

Hawks Jack Hick and Kane Hadden have moved on to East Perth but Cummings hoped to announce new additions to the club in the near future.

He said the club had approached the South West Football League about playing more Saturday games, and would push in 2017 for more members and opening its Gloucester Park club to the community.

“It’s not an exclusive club for league and reserves and colts, it’s for the whole town,” Cummings said.

The Hawks will host a barbecue from 5.30pm on January 6 to let supporters meet the new coach and share plans for 2017.