A long-time servant of Katandra Football Club, Longley joined the GV Giants AFL Masters set-up last year and instantly became a favourite among the playing group.
Longley said he was thrilled to be taking over the top job.
“It is really exciting, it is a great club to be involved with and I can’t wait to step up and coach the group,” Longley said.
“The thing about the GV Giants and AFL Masters competition as a whole is it is all about playing footy for fun and the club is also very supportive of men’s health, which is something I too am very passionate about.”
When approached by the club to take this opportunity, he said it was a no-brainer as he hoped to use some prior life experiences to help guide the team forward on and off the field.
“About six years ago I probably wasn’t the best person to be a role model, but due to a lot of changes in life I have managed to overcome a lot and really change as a person,” he said.
“So, to take on a role like this it shows my kids and other people close to me that with a bit of perseverance you can change and become a role model to others.”
As the season approaches, Longley outlined what he hoped to get out of the campaign.
“As long as everyone has fun and comes away uninjured, because at our age we do take a long time to heal, that is all I want to see,” he said.
“AFL Masters is very social, we love going out there, having a kick and then having a beer after the game, so that is really all I want to see again.”
The Giants’ Masters campaign begins in late March, and all are welcome at training at Kialla Park Main Oval every Wednesday from 6pm.
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