OTGAFC APPOINTS JAMIE CASSIDY-MCNAMARA AS NEW MEN’S SENIOR COACH
On behalf of the Committee, I am thrilled to announce the appointment of Jamie Cassidy-McNamara to the position of Men’s Senior Coach.
A thorough process was conducted by the Football Sub-Committee, who recommended that Jamie’s professional coaching experience, along with his teaching and training credentials were the right ingredients for our football club. We are genuinely excited about the professionalism and fun that Jamie can bring to our football program.
I encourage you all to read further about his appointment via our Director of Coaching Paul Griffiths and Jamie himself.
Neil Bowman
OTGAFC President
WHAT JAMIE WILL BRING TO THE OTGAFC
We are pleased to welcome Jamie Cassidy-McNamara as the new Senior Coach of the Old Trinity Grammarians Football Club for seasons 2022-23.
Our focus was on finding a coach that not only had the ability to properly educate the group with an updated understanding of the game, but also possessed the ability to build strong relationships.
Through all stages of the interview process, Jamie impressed the selection panel with his ability to clearly articulate his philosophies, as well as demonstrate a sound knowledge of how he aimed to teach the game.
Jamie spent five years working full time at Collingwood working closely with Nathan Buckley and Robert Harvey in planning and delivering AFL training. In that time he also had stints as an assistant coach in their VFL program, coaching both the forwards and the backs.
A teacher who also a degree in exercise science, focusing on skill acquisition as well as additional experience ranging from consulting English Premier League club Chelsea to having coached at local level football, we feel that Jamie is the ideal candidate to take our exciting young list forward.
Paul Griffiths
OTGAFC Director of Coaching
GETTING TO KNOW YOU – JAMIE CASSIDY-MCNAMARA
What excites you most about the opportunity to coach at Old Trinity?
“I think there is a clean slate heading into 2022. The thing that jumps out at me is the amount of young talent on the list, and the clear direction from the off-field staff. This is going to be supported by an older, experienced group of senior players who are clearly very passionate and engaged.”
What are some of your philosophy’s when it comes to game style and training? What kind of brand of football should we expect to see on game day?
“Training will firstly aim to be enjoyable, with the drills and sessions themselves developed around replicating the demands of the game. Our game-style will evolve as the pre-season unfolds, and will be built around the strengths of players. I’d like us to play on the front foot and always play for the win.”
What kind of culture and atmosphere will you be trying to create?
“I’d like the club to be a place where the players enjoy spending their time. I think there is a real opportunity - coming out of the last couple of interrupted years - to build a culture that values connection and to simply enjoy playing football with your mates.”
You’ve spent significant time at Collingwood Football Club, what are the main takeaways from there that you think can help Old Trinity?
“There will be some structural elements that I hope to implement across pre-season, that I think will be of value to the playing group. Ultimately I hope my experience in putting together a training program, and building relationships with players, will give this group a platform to grow together and build towards success.”
Tell us a bit about your background and how you have got to this point in your coaching journey?
“I came into football through an academic background. I completed my Honours in Skill Acquisition through Vic Uni and the Western Bulldogs in 2014, before moving to Collingwood in a full-time role. I was at Collingwood until the end of the 2020 season. In 2021 I coached at St Michaels Grammar School, and with Seaford Football club in to MPNFL. I was lucky (with the Vic lockdowns) to be working remotely with Chelsea FC throughout the year.”
Outside of football, what are your interests and hobbies?
“Pre Covid I loved to get away internationally each year, and visit one or two sporting clubs on a working holiday. I love following the Premier league and European football, and also a good book.”