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Maguire takes on role with Magpies

Jackson Lavell-LeeBusselton Dunsborough Times
Eaton Boomers Head Coach Brett Maguire.
Camera IconEaton Boomers Head Coach Brett Maguire. Credit: Jon Gellweiler/Jon Gellweiler

Eaton Boomers grand final coach Brett Maguire has joined Busselton Magpies as assistant coach.

The successful South West Football League Landmark Cup colts assistant coach will join David Lewis’ team as defensive coach.

The Magpies finished eighth in 2019, four wins and percentage outside the top four, but Maguire, pictured, said the young group was looking to play finals again in 2020 under new leadership.

“After speaking to Dave Lewis we think Busselton are in the stage of development where they can play finals again,” he said.

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“We have a good understanding and similar beliefs so that was the ultimate reason for me to come in and complement his coaching crew by passing on my knowledge and experience.”

Eaton were a high scoring and fast paced rebounding side under Maguire and Busselton have a similar game style, but are looking to be more accountable in transition.

The young Magpies were often competitive in the first half of matches but struggled to get back and defend once turning the ball over when fatigue set in.

“The conversations I’ve had with Lewy indicate I’ll be looking after the defensive side of the game and coaching backs on game day,” Maguire said.

“I think defensively they weren’t too far off. We want to bring a team defence and create strong pressure on the ball carrier.”

He said in the modern game a full team defensive zone was needed to stifle counter attacks.

Busselton could also secure the services of Maguire’s son Ethan.

The former East Perth WAFL league footballer played well for Eaton in the back half of the year winning several best on ground awards for the Boomers.

However Ethan, who lives in Perth, has not yet decided where he will play in 2020.

Maguire said culture and trust were a high priority and both he and Lewis’ coaching philosophy reflected the need to develop players’ confidence.

“Ultimately you need to get the group to buy in to what the coaches are trying to implement,” he said.

The Busselton Magpies will begin pre-season in mid-January.

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