Harden coach Nick Hall talking to his players at training.

Harden Hawks Coach Nick Hall has signed a contract extension with the Club, tying him to the Hawks until at least the end of the 2024 season.

The former Young Cherrypicker signed onto coach Harden at the end of the 2021 season, making the 2022 season his first as coach of the storied Club.

The 47-year-old had a respectable first season with the Hawks taking them to the finals, and after seven rounds this season has Harden flying in second place on the ladder with six wins and no losses.

Hall said the decision to stay around for at least another season was an easy one.

“If I can be involved in footy anywhere and everywhere, I will be. We’re a great club, with great players and great people, which made the decision very easy. I’ve enjoyed everything about my time with Harden,” Hall said.

“It’s a great example after being at one club (Young Cherrypickers) for so long that all footy is good. I think footy is like beer and pizza, I’ve never had any bad footy.

“I think all footy clubs are built similarly, they’re all full of people doing their best, volunteers, all trying hard for one goal.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at Harden, we’ve got great executives, great fans. The players have been great too, every time I’ve asked them to do something, they’ve done it.”

The Hawks are once again near the top of the ladder this year and will have stability going forward into next year now that Hall is locked away to coach for another season.

 

 

“For me, being locked in for next season is a good step for players knowing that they will have some stability for next season and knowing what they’re in for. In this competition, there’s no guarantees, we never quite know which players are going to be back the next season,” Hall continued.

“When you get to Group 9, there’s possibly more incentive for players and they can fit their life around footy. But in the George Tooke Shield, it’s all about the footy. People have jobs and lives, so footy is their passion and fun, but it’s not a priority.

“I’ve got players travelling, players who have work commitments, there are all sorts of reasons and I’ve had to switch players this season because of that. That’s a new journey for me, getting used to footy has not always been everyone’s number-one priority.

“The Harden Hawks boys come to every game, every training. They play at a really good level. I think it’s a great comp and I wouldn’t be signing on otherwise.”

Hall is guaranteed to be at the Club until the end of next season, however, he said that there is scope to extend his contract even further.

“I’m pretty confident and happy with where I’m at as far as what my needs are at footy and what I think I can offer. I’m also conscious that you can coach for too long.

“I don’t want to lock the club into something that may not work for them and to be truthful, I did the same thing with my previous club, depending on what their needs are. Maybe they need to get a captain/coach who’s a player.

“Young and I talked about that at the time, and I moved aside. It doesn’t have to be a contract if you are dealing with good people, it can just be an agreement, and I’ve done the same thing with Harden. Let’s just see how these two years go and if you want me again, I’ll keep trying.”

As well as coaching, Hall strapped on the boots to play for the Hawks numerous times last season, however said his playing days are likely behind him with it getting harder and harder for him to meet the high standards set by himself.

“I’m leaving the playing to the boys this season. I’ve got a good enough team and they don’t need me. My old body just won’t let me do it anymore. Last year was bloody awesome.

“I thought at times, guys were doing better than I was. I was probably a little bit behind the mark, whether that was just my expectations of myself but when I watched the games, I wasn’t always happy with myself.

“To be truthful, I was struggling. I’ve got a crook knee and I’m struggling to walk and run. I used to like being in the middle of the pack at least, I used to be at the front of the pack at training, but last year I was at the back. If I’m falling behind, there’s something wrong.”

Well done to Nick on the coaching extension, hopefully, you can coach the Hawks to back-to-back premiership success in the next two seasons.

Tim Warren