Hampden league club Hamilton Kangaroos unveils new coach Hamish Waldron to replace Gerard FitzGerald

The Melville Oval-based club has appointed captain Hamish Waldron to replace outgoing coach Gerard FitzGerald for the 2022 campaign.

Waldron was selected after a "rigorous process" was completed by the Kangaroos' football sub committee this past week. Their recommendation to appoint the long-serving skipper as coach was endorsed.

He will vie to lead the Kangaroos to their first Hampden league finals series since joining the competition in 2013.

"Hamish has displayed an amazing passion for this club and has a great relationship with current and potential players," Kangaroos chairman Lachy Patterson said.

"However, there were a number of other key attributes that made this decision an easy one to make.

"Our talented youth is a major strength of the club and we need to continue to focus on that pathway, something Hamish is in full agreement with. He has a fantastic rapport with our young players and sets a high level of example in all aspects of his involvement with the club."

Patterson said Waldron would continue FitzGerald's growth from within model and was keen to see all levels at the club excel.

The Kangaroos finished seventh in 2021 and were four wins away from a finals berth.

"He has also committed to a focus on strong relationships with players, supporters, volunteers and sponsors at all levels and, combined with an outstanding football intelligence, we are extremely confident that the new coach will excel," he said.

"The feedback received from the football community is that Hamish has all the qualities that will make him a successful coach at the level and we are thrilled to be making this appointment."

Waldron said he was honoured to take on the role.

"I am excited for the challenge presented to me and can't wait see what season 2022 and beyond holds for our club," Waldron said.

"We have so much talent available in the region and have seen some considerable growth within this group during the 2021 season. I am confident that if we pull this all together, the club can match it with the best sides in the Hampden league."

Fitzgerald said he was "extremely pleased" with the decision made on his replacement and said he was open to provide advice or assist.

"I am delighted in the decision to appoint Hamish into the senior coaching role," he said.

"Throughout my tenure at the club we have seen strong development in Hamish's role as a leader and I have no doubt he has all of the attributes to be a successful senior coach.

"My main philosophy since joining the Kangaroos has been that of growth from within and this is another great example of a local player having a huge impact on his club. Hamish will lead by example and I look forward to assisting him in any ways he feels will be beneficial."

Tim Cogger, meanwhile, has agreed to a reserves co-coaching role with current coach Buddy Linke.

Luke Uebergang has retained the under 18.5 role, Bernie Porter the under 16s and Matt Dunn the under 14s.

Patterson said the club was satisfied to have its football coaching panel locked away early.

"After what has been such a frustrating year for everyone involved in the community sport, we felt it was important to provide an early indication about how serious we are in making 2022 a successful year," he said.

"I am hopeful our players will recognise this and dedicate themselves to an intensive pre-season with an experienced group of leaders."

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