Sport
16 October, 2023
Walder returns to Eagles
Three-time premiership coach Matt Walder has signed with the Warrack Eagles for the 2024 season. Walder is back at the nest for the first time in 20 years after having coached the Eagles from 2001 to 2004 whilst winning the premiership in 2002...
Three-time premiership coach Matt Walder has signed with the Warrack Eagles for the 2024 season.
Walder is back at the nest for the first time in 20 years after having coached the Eagles from 2001 to 2004 whilst winning the premiership in 2002. Since then he coached the Wagga Tigers to a flag in 2007 and then Ararat this year.
Walder said he made his decision to leave Ararat a couple of weeks out from the Grand Final.
"I told the club I would be stepping down at the end of the season so to win the flag on my way out was very special," Walder said.
Walder was approached by multiple teams, both locally and interstate and in the end said that the Eagles was where he wanted to be.
"I was approached by the Eagles and went through a few things and decided ultimately that I would come back to the nest and be part of it."
Walder said being here before helped with his decision.
"I spent a few good years at Warrack and loved the place and enjoyed the people around the club. They made me feel like it was my second home for the time I was there and the vibe still hasn't changed," he said.
Despite the Eagles winning the wooden spoon this year Walder sees a bright future and is pumped to be a part of it.
"The only way is up. At the end of the day the Wimmera Football League is closer than what it looks between the top and bottom teams," he explained.
"Warrack's results this year were alright. They had a few close calls and could have won a couple of matches, particularly at the back end of the season."
"There is a lot to like about the list. There is some good local talent there and a couple of others that have been brought in only make it stronger," he said.
Walder said that his experience is going to be a massive thing for the young side.
"I am bringing in my experience, thoughts and philosophies. I would like to think we will make improvement and how quickly and how much that is will be up to myself and my support staff. We will make some inroads in the league next year," he concluded.