Brian Cordy’s coaching resume includes taking players like Matthew Scarlett, Johnathan Brown and Cameron Ling under his wing and now he is eager to make his mark on the Footscray Bulldogs list.
With over 25 years’ experience as both coach and teacher, Cordy has an extensive understanding of how to develop and nurture young football talent.
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The former Bulldogs player – and father of Ayce – was approached by both Senior Coach Brendan McCartney and Development Coach Chris Maple to join the Footscray Bulldogs coaching panel.
“I thought it would be a great thing to be involved in… I was very, very honoured and very surprised,” Cordy said.
“I have had a fair bit of experience in junior development and 30 years of teaching, so hopefully I can offer something that might help the young men there.”
Cordy was thrilled with the news of the inception of a stand-alone VFL team and believes the flow on effect will benefit more than just the AFL-listed players.
“I think it is a great thing for the development of the young players, not just the listed players at the AFL but people from the western region area, the young players who haven’t quite been given a chance,” he said.
“I think it is one of the fundamental improvements in the last few years, a lot of the AFL clubs having a stand-alone side.
“It allows the same message that goes to the top senior players get right through to the bottom of the list with those guys trying to find their way through.
“It can only fast track [their development] and I think it will be a great bonus for the Club in the long term.”
With a history coaching the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup, local Geelong football sides and influencing the Geelong College football program, Cordy is more than qualified to take on the new role.
Primarily focusing on bringing in a team-first mentality among the playing group, Cordy will also oversee the VFL coaching panel on match day, drawing on his knowledge and experience.
“I think my greatest asset will be in fact team building, working together as a group, just the whole team ethic rather than individual ethic,” he said.
“And just experience on match day in the coaches box, experience when things aren’t going that well, because sometimes with young coaches that is when you struggle.
“I have had a few weeks now to work alongside Chris Maple, Ash Hansen who is doing the midfield, Chad Jones and Stewart Edge and I am really, really excited - I think they are a quality group who are really good for the young players.”
