By Nick Creely
Doveton has appointed its next senior football coach as it looks to move on from a tough 2021 season, with the Doves securing the services of a champion forward.
Michael Cardamone has inked the deal as playing coach of the Doves, with the Eastern Football League star – who has kicked 626 goals from 284 senior games with Blackburn, Forest Hill, The Basin, Coldstream and Aquinas Old Collegians – a major coup for the club.
Some of Cardamone’s playing achievements include grand final appearances at Forest Hill and The Basin and a premiership with Aquinas. He has also been named in the Eastern Football Netball League Teams of the Year on multiple occasions.
The excitement machine will work closely with re-appointed director of football Martin Stillman, who will run and manage the coaching box on game day.
He has served as senior assistant at Forest Hill and The Basin previously and was appointed senior playing coach of Coldstream in 2017.
“After a very extensive selection process we would like to thank all the applicants who tendered for the position. The club was humbled by the calibre of candidates that applied and presented,” the club said in a statement.
“The coaching appointment subcommittee were unanimous that Michael was the candidate whose presentation exceeded all our prerequisites regarding club culture, match day tactics, community and club values, leadership, and player development at the club.
“Michael is extremely enthusiastic to get to work and lead our club on its future journey, with an eye to the development of the young players on the clubs list and to provide the best football environment at the club to ensure all players can reach their maximum potential.
“We welcome to the Doves, Michael his wife Renee and children, Chloe and Max.”
Cardamone replaces club great and 2019 premiership coach Daniel Charles, who parted ways with the club at the conclusion of this season.
The Doves have also started the process of recruitment and retention of its 2022 senior list, with the club announcing a raft of re-signings such as premiership skipper Matt Stapleton, Tyson Bellinger, Jake Basa, James Gascard, Luca Daidone, Harley Primrose and Matt Jameson.
