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Michael Geercke to Coach Tigers in 2009
Dec 9th 2008-By Greg Bolton
The Eden Tigers have appointed Michael Geercke as coach for the 2009 season. Geercke has played the last two seasons at Eden under outgoing coach Mark Miller and is excited to take over the reigns for the year 2009. A central coast born and bred player, whose no compromise style of play earned him selection with the central coast country division team, Geercke was attracted to Eden in 2007 through his friendship with local boys Mark Miller and Todd Bolton. Geercke soon settled into the Eden way of life and his performances on and off the field soon earned him the admiration of his teammates and the wider community in general. It was for this reason that the Tigers Committee decided to appoint him coach for 2009.
Don Wilson, Eden Tigers Committee legend, said "Michael is a quality footballer, who already has the respect and friendship of our players and sponsors, so Michael should be a popular choice as captain coach for 2009."
Although the role as Captain Coach was not advertised, it still attracted several interested parties but the Tigers Committee felt that the player coach option was the way to go and that Geercke was the best man to fill this role.
When asked if he thought Eden could be as successful in 2009 after the departures of top line players such as Mark Miller, Brad Chatfield and Neil Baker, Mr Geercke said "We have tremendous young players coming through that are more than first grade ready and I am confident we have the right mix of youth and experience to once again be a force in the competition".
Mr Geercke was also very aware that on field success can not happen without the support of the local community, through sponsorship and fans at gates. "It is the people of Eden that are the unsung heroes of the Tigers recent success." Mr Geercke said. "The town really gets behind the team and it is great to be a part of that support. Everyone from our major sponsors, such as Adrian Sandrey (Great Southern Inn), Robert Michelin (John Michelin and Son) and Biggs Rankin (Rankin Builders), to each and everyone that buys or sells a raffle ticket, sponsors a jumper, bakes a cake or attends a game are the real backbone of the team. Without them we have nothing and we do not win premierships. It really is the people of Eden that make us stand out from the other teams in Group 16."
In other news the Tigers committee will be introducing a new level of sponsorship for the team this year which they have termed the individual season sponsors. For the cost of $50 local supporters can get behind their team and be proud that they will be a big part of the Tigers ongoing success. Each individual season sponsors will get free admission to all home games, be placed in the monthly members draw to win great prizes and one lucky member will win two tickets to the 2009 NRL grand final. The Tigers have set a target of 200 members for season 2009 and each player will be asked to sign up 4 mates to be part of the Tigers 2009 backbone.
"The individual season sponsors are great value and a cheap way for locals to get behind the team." Mr. Geercke said. "If we can reach our target of 200 members than the extra money raised can be used to retain and/or attract some quality players to the club and Eden will once again be the premier Rugby league team of the South Coast. It really is a tremendous honour to be appointed captain coach of this great town."