Wangaratta names co-coaches to end grand final drought against Rovers
Wangaratta appointed Damien Lappin and Campbell Hustwaite as co-coaches for 2027-2028. This followed two straight grand final losses to Wangaratta Rovers.
The Wangaratta Magpies appointed Damien Lappin and Campbell Hustwaite as senior co-coaches. Lappin replaces Jason Heatley after two seasons.
Heatley led the Magpies to back-to-back grand finals, but the team lost both times to rival Wangaratta Rovers. Lappin worked as Heatley's assistant coach for two years.
He also coached the thirds to a premiership in 2022. Hustwaite brings VFL experience from Collingwood.
He has led teams at Rosebud. Hustwaite will also play for the Magpies.
The co-coaching split lets Hustwaite lead as a player. Lappin will focus on overall strategy.
Lappin felt the club needed new voices. The team also wanted to keep its existing strengths.
This plan aims to bounce back after the successive grand final losses.
- two seasons
- Heatley's tenure
- 2022
- Lappin's thirds premiership
- Collingwood
- Hustwaite's VFL club
- Wangaratta Rovers
- Grand final opponent
Why it mattersWangaratta faced repeated grand final losses and heartbreak. The club is now trying a dual coaching approach to finally deliver a premiership.
AustraliaFans of regional Victoria football will watch this coaching experiment closely; it signals a shift in philosophy after consecutive close calls.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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