Football
6 August, 2024
Sullivan signs on to coach Stawell
Stawell Warriors recruit James Sullivan has signed on to coach the team in 2025, taking over from Tom Eckel, who has coached for the last five years.
Sullivan came to the club well-credentialed as an assistant coach in 2023 with the Caulfield Bears in the Southern Football Netball League under the guidance of former Collingwood and Melbourne player Lynden Dunn.
He has played for the Box Hill Hawks and was a premiership player with Tatura in the Goulburn Valley League, having played 150 games there.
Warriors President Shane Field said his leadership stood out ever since he came to the club.
"He has been interested in coaching, and we have seen him develop his connection with the players. His leadership has been a real standout since coming to the club," Field said.
"He has good resources behind him, which can be utilised when needed, and he is going to be a good fit moving forward."
When asked if some of those resources may be potential assistant coaches in 2025, Field said they haven't looked at that yet as they wanted to get him signed before the finals.
"We wanted to get the coaching in place for a start, and then we can go about recruiting, as you can't recruit without a coach," Field said.
"We started talks in May and wanted to get this done before the finals so it wouldn't affect us going into the finals, so getting the signing done now is a good result for the club."
While Eckel won't coach in 2025, he will continue to be part of the club as a player and on-field leader.
"He has been the club's captain or coach for the last ten out of twelve years, and his leadership around the club is second to none," Field said.
"He has always been a people person, and everyone follows him. he leads by example on the ground and has been unbelievable for our club, and we can't thank him enough for all he has done.
"Now that he can focus on playing, it may take a mental load off, and it could elevate his game."