After recent speculation about his future in football, Coburg are delighted to announce that Peter German will be the clubs senior coach for the 2017 season.
German was linked with a number of coaching jobs at local level. Speaking at Thursday Night’s Jim Sullivan Medal Night, German said he had “unfinished business” after a disappointing 2016 season.
German has coached the Burgers to 18 wins from 54 games for a win/loss record of 33.33%. While the Lions managed a mere six wins in 2016, which could’ve been more and a finals berth had it not been for close losses early in the season, and injuries to key players in the second half of the year, which saw them ultimately finish 12th for the second consecutive season.
This will mark his fourth season at the helm, having taken over at the end of the 2013 season as the Lions were preparing to participate for their first standalone season since 2000 after coming across from a Development Coaching role at the Western Bulldogs, where he was also the Senior Coach of their former affiliate Williamstown.
German’s record in state league football in terms of player development is arguably amongst the most impressive in state league circles across Australia- having had a considerable amount of players drafted. Aside from the likes of Adam Saad and Michael Hartley being drafted so far in his time at Piranha Park, German was credited for the development of 2014 Brownlow Medallist and West Coast Eagles captain Matt Priddis, whom he coached in both the 2004 and 06 Premierships at WAFL side Subiaco.
This tally looks to be further expanded in this year’s drafts, with Luke Ryan and Robbie Fox receiving invites to the National and State Draft combines held recently. Since his coaching career began more than two decades ago at TSL side Burnie, German has also held assistant coaching roles with Hawthorn, West Coast and Fremantle as senior assistants, and was also Senior Coach of Peel Thunder and Casey Scorpions for a year respectively.
Craig Lees, Coburg General Manager was thrilled to have German re-commit for another season. “His football knowledge, game plan and ability to develop players and culture is essential to keeping our brand strong and continuing to impact the VFL in the future.”
In spite of German’s recommitment, announcements will be made in the coming weeks on the football department updates, as well as new player signings ahead of the 2017 season.
