Tasmania has revealed that former Essendon coach Matthew Knights will be in charge of the club’s Academy development.
After a successful playing career at Richmond, which spanned across 15 years and 279 games, including the captaincy, Knights moved quickly into the coaching space.
Stints in the SANFL and VFL led to his appointment as the Bombers’ main man, replacing the great Kevin Sheedy halfway through 2007.
His time in the red and black was short-lived, coaching the side to 25 wins from 67 starts.
Since, he was at Geelong in multiple roles before heading to West Coast ahead of the 2022 season.
https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/1615027/knights-to-depart-eagles
Knights’ new role will be key to establishing the new Tasmania Football Club Academy and shaping the next generation of Tasmanian footballers.
“This opportunity feels like a culmination of my skills and experience throughout my career to date,” Knights said.
“I will be making sure to draw upon all of my experiences, working alongside the existing Devils team and broader football ecosystem to get great outcomes for the club and our athletes.
“The build of the Tasmania Football Club is such an exciting thing to be a part of. To have the opportunity to contribute to the development of our athletes and our inaugural list build comes with great potential and responsibility.
“I am so impressed with what I have seen so far and am looking forward to commence working with athletes as we build the Tasmania Football Club Academy.”
Aaron Pidgeon, Tasmania’s Head of Football Operations, said the appointment of the highly-regarded football name is crucial to ensuring the club’s ability to hit the ground running.
“Matthew Knights joins Tasmania Football Club with significant experience and expertise in football development,” Pidgeon said.
Tasmania Football Club Launch. Shaun Kongwa and Mia Barwick sporting the new Tasmania Devils jumpers. Picture: Linda Higginson / Tasmania Football Club
“Matthew is a leading development coach in the AFL, and his appointment is a real coup for our club and, more importantly, the athletes that will be a part of our club now and into the future.
“Matthew is extremely well-regarded across the system. Not only for his skills, but also for his exceptional ability to develop strong relationships. The development of talent across Tasmania and the attraction of talent nationally is a key ingredient to the success of our football club.
“Matthew’s skills will be instrumental in the establishment and operation of Tasmania Football Club Academy.”
The Devils are set to learn the fate of the much-discussed roofed stadium, which is currently being voted on by the Upper House parliament.
It is expected that the verdict will be handed down on Thursday.
The AFL have maintained that Tasmania’s entry into the competition is predicated on the stadium being built.