By Gary Stocks

North Beach legend Bill Duckworth has returned to the club and will coach the Cabling Network Solutions D1-Grade this season.

Duckworth, who coached the club to 10 A-Grade premierships in 16 seasons at the helm, has answered the call and has taken over an important role at the club which is essential in transitioning colts players into senior football.

Already the appointment of Duckworth has had a pronounced influence, with a number of former stars indicating they will return to the fold.

Players like Mitch and Scott Holbrook, Greg Pires, Jon Turner and Reece Cunningham have been seen on the track and their presence is a fillip for the club.

Word is ‘The King” (aka Chris Perkin) might even pull on the boots occasionally!

In recent seasons, the third grade has been home to graduating colts who might not have been ready to elevate into A-Grade ranks. It has proven to be a good interim development step under the guidance of astute football brains like Kane Kuenen and Brett Christie.

The team generally performed well, but come finals, when opposition clubs which had failed to advance in senior ranks, dropped mature-bodied players back, the North Beach thirds did not have the physical attributes to win big finals.

With “Bull” at the helm that will change, particularly if some of those experienced stars of the past are able to play. Not only their physical presence is important, but they also have vast knowledge to pass on to their younger teammates.

This will not only assist the team in achieving short-term success, but will help in the development of the club’s young talent. Their campaign starts tomorrow against Whitford at Forrest Reserve. Duckworth will enjoy that opportunity!