Cole to provide platform for Thunder youth

Originally appointed to coach the Senior Development side in 2020, Shannon Cole is back once again ready to take the helm and provide a strong extension to the clubs talent pathway.

This will now be Cole’s 5^th season at the club after joining from Warnbro Swans as an Assistant Coach during the club’s second Premiership campaign in 2017. Cole spent the first 2 seasons within the Senior setup before moving over in 2019 to become part of the Talent Pathway working as the Defensive Line Coach under Colts Coach Michael Glassborrow. Last season with the club unable to field a side in the WAFL Reserves competition, Cole stepped in as the League Forward line coach. 

Cole was happy to once again be given the chance to use his experience and his familiarity with a number of the clubs younger players to help them make the step up to the Senior program in 2021.

“I’m really thankful again for the opportunity, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 4 years at the footy club so far and I’m hopeful that I can provide the most stable platform possible for our players and help them to launch their WAFL careers.” Cole said.

The Senior Development side has struggled in recent seasons from a win loss perspective however it is something that Cole hopes with the higher standards driven squad wide that there will be an improvement this year.

“Talking with a number of the players we are looking at becoming a more accountable, professional outfit and hopefully will culminate in playing finals football in September.” 

With a number of players undergoing their first senior Pre-season a few in particular have caught Shannon’s eye.

Image L-R: Connor Heuer, Jack Walsh, Travis Sexton at training last week

“Jono Ietto and Jack Walsh have both come into Pre-Season in condition for senior footy, Connor Heuer has also showed signs of being a good player of the future. Travis Sexton, who has never been part of any WAFL program before and has come to us from Halls Head Football Club has also been really good.” Cole said.

It’s often hard to find assistant coaches and support staff but the club has been able to look internally and to fill these positions at Senior Development level.

“We have managed to lock away a solid coaching group, Lee Dawson retains his role as an Assistant coach and we also welcome the clubs inaugural Colts Captain Broc Agnew and current Futures Coach Glen Andrews into our ranks.” Cole said.

It will have been 587 days since a Peel Thunder Senior Development side last took the field when they take on East Fremantle in Round 1, and the boys will be keen to get out on the field and put the hard work over the summer to the test.