Sturt Football Club has appointed ex AFL player Nathan Grima as its Senior Coach.
Grima, 33 years, was recently the Senior Coach at Strathmore in the Essendon Football League.
From Launceston Tasmania Grima played for the Tassie Mariners, South Launceston, the Tasmanian Devils and Central District, including their 2007 SANFL premiership. Grima was rookie-listed by North Melbourne in the 2008 AFL Rookie Draft.
In 2009 he was promoted to their North Melbourne’s senior list. He went on to play 88 games. He retired due to injury in 2015 returning to play with Essendon in 2016 as a top up player due to the Club’s supplement controversy.
Grima has recently returned to Adelaide with his wife Jacinta and two-year-old daughter Amarli. They are also expecting a baby boy any day now.
Sturt President Jason Kilic said the coaching panel assembled to find dual premiership coach Marty Mattner’s replacement had no hesitation in offering Grima the role.
“We were extremely impressed with him during the interview process and are confident that he will continue the success the Club has had the last few seasons whilst bringing his own brand of football to the Club,” Kilic said.
Football Manager Chris Trapp said Grima was an exceptional candidate who presented very well and displayed great enthusiasm for the role.
“Our search was thorough with some very experienced candidates however Grima stood out, possessing an astute football mind and strong personal values.”
Grima said he was honoured to accept the role, becoming Sturt’s 20th Senior Coach.
“I am grateful to be appointed in such an important position by Sturt Football Club. Winning a premiership in the SANFL is still one of the best days of my life. The by-product of that success in this League, enabled me to get drafted and enjoy, albeit an injury prone, AFL career. 11 years later to now be back involved and able to have the impact and influence on like minded players to where I saw myself, is humbling and exciting.”
“My initial focus is to build relationships with all our players, staff and assistant coaches. I plan to get straight to work on list management, recruiting and preparation for the pre-season.”