Solley Joins Blacks as Assistant Coach

11 December 2008

Former Old Mentonians Premiership player Drew Solley has joined University Blacks as an assistant coach for season 2009.

In a real coup for the Blacks, Solley will join the club having played 220 senior games for Old Mentonians in the VAFA between 1989 and 2004 (predominantly B Section). In that time, Solley played in one premiership (ironically in 1990 versus Uni Blacks), won one B&F, captained the club, was named in the OMFC team of 30 years and represented Victoria.

Solley is excited at the prospect of joining the Blacks. “You can’t help but respect how the Blacks have gone about it in recent times. Looking from afar, they are clearly a club that is set up for success and despite last year’s hiccup in A Section look like they will soon be back there for a long time.”

Hugely respected in Amateur circles and renowned for his footy smarts as a midfielder and forward, Solley has recently spent some time away from the game. “I have enjoyed my time on the golf course and pursuing other interests, but I have still watched a heap of footy. More than anything else, I have missed the intensity and passion of being involved with a club so when Marc (Woolnough) asked me to come on board I jumped at the chance. I always thought I would end up coaching and I am really looking forward to the experience and helping the Blacks be very successful.”

Solley’s vast experience will complement the remainder of a fresh Blacks football department, led by senior coach and former Geelong player Marc Woolnough.

The Blacks began pre-season training on 1 December.