Long-time NEAFL/Queensland State League and Queensland Development Coach David Lake has not taken his retirement lightly.
Lake stepped down as coach of Mt Gravatt at the end of season 2011 after a successful six year stint that saw him lead the team to a State League premiership in 2007.
This season sees him taking on a new role as South Pacific Coaching and Academy coordinator after six years as Mt Gravatt.
Lake has spent the last three years coaching and assisting in South Pacific programs and takes on an extended role in 2012.
His new role encompasses not only the strong Papua New Guinea program but also the burgeoning academy in New Zealand and the implementation of a new Fiji academy program.
Previously, Lake has been head coach of the Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes as well as other South Pacific and Oceania development squads.
He will continue his direct involvement in coaching South Pacific squads to the Australian National under 16 and 18 championships as well as coaching and mentoring across the entire region.
AFL Asia Pacific Development Manager Andrew Cadzow said when David decided to finish at Mt Gravatt at the end of 2011 the timing was perfect to expand the role.
“His experience in both youth development and talent outcomes not withstanding six years in the State league system has him perfectly positioned to structure and drive a development and talent program that is growing rapidly,” Cadzow said.
Lake’s involvement with the region has already seen an increase in international AFL scholarship holders, international academy participation and a strong improvement in the South Pacific youth teams participating in the Oceania Cup.
A stronger coaching structure in the region is also being developed and implemented with Lake’s assistance.
“His ability to roll out the above, plus use his experience to educate the staff and volunteers on the ground will be an added bonus to the increasing the South Pacific footprint,” Cadzow said.
