Trojans coach to keep it simple

Newly appointed Lennox Head Trojans coach Tony Bundock has a simple philosophy for the season ahead.

Jay Cronan

A CHANGE of a football coach usually brings a change of ideas.

But this is not necessarily the case when you have been installed as the head coach of the Coopers Far North Coast Rugby Union team, which has won the past four first-grade premierships.

That track record ensures new Lennox Head Trojans mentor Tony Bundock will be the envy of all of his opposing coaches this winter.

That is not to say Bundock will be a man to cower when changes are needed, because he has a wealth of experience.

Last year's playing-coach Paul Jeffery will be Bundock's assistant this year.

Bundock made a name for himself when he coached in the Northern Territory from 2002 to 2008.

While he was in charge the Darwin Mozzies beat representative sides Melbourne and Queensland and before that he was in charge of Wollongbar's first-grade premiership-winning team in 1996.

Bundock also worked at the Northern Territory Institute of Sport, where he plied his trade alongside top-level Aussie rules, rugby league, hockey, cricket and netball coaches.

"Brett Hand was up there and he's now one of the assistants at the Greater Western Sydney Giants," Bundock said.

"I also worked with Jason Butcher, who is an assistant coach with the Australian women's hockey team.

"There was a great array of coaches up there, so I learnt a lot."

Bundock played hooker in Far North Coast Rugby Union in the 1970s.

"I'll focus on core skills but won't change too much," he said.

"If it ain't broke don't fix it.

"Having someone like Paul helping me out with his knowledge will be handy."