Petterwood coming home to coach
• Ethan Petterwood playing for Werribee in the VFL.
By Peter Fish,
August 21, 2019
Scottsdale Football Club has announced the appointment of Ethan Petterwood as its senior coach for 2020‑21.
A Physical Education teacher, Petterwood was acknowledged as one of the state’s best midfielders before moving to Victoria to play in the VFL, and he returns to his home club with an impressive CV.
Petterwood, 25 years old, was born and educated in the North-East, and played his junior football with Scottsdale before commencing a decorated career with North Launceston.
He was member of their statewide premiership teams in 2014/15 and won the Bombers’ best and fairest during his tenure at the club.
He was a member of the Tasmanian team which played the NEAFL in 2015.
From 2016-18, Petterwood played for Werribee in the VFL, and this season played with Grovedale in the Geelong league.
Petterwood’s father John was a Scottsdale premiership player, and grandfathers Geoff Petterwood and Leo Dilworth were also former players with the club.
Scottsdale president Cameron Moore said the club was extremely happy to gain the services of Petterwood.
“Ethan comes to us with impressive credentials, and when current coach Geoff Mohr told us he was stepping down from the job, we immediately commenced a conversation with Ethan to find out whether he was interested in coming home,” Moore said.
“He’s played at the highest level outside the AFL under some highly regarded coaches, and our board believes he will bring a level of professionalism and an awareness of the club’s requirements.
“And he comes from a family with a strong connection to the club.”
Moore paid tribute to outgoing coach Geoff Mohr.
“Geoff got us back into finals after a lengthy absence. He gained the respect of everyone connected to the footy club and his dedication and hard work has been very much appreciated.
“We wish him and his family all the best for the future,” Moore said.
Petterwood said he would be aiming to build a fun, professional and successful culture on and off the field.
“I want people to feel welcomed at the club, and for parents to encourage their kids to join because we have the best coaches and facilities right here in the North East, and they shouldn’t feel the need to travel to Launceston for the best footy development for their kids,” he said.
“I will be aiming to create a stronger bond between the club and the community, where we see big crowds at the footy again and a packed club rooms afterwards and I’ll be asking the players to get involved and help at events around the North East.”
Petterwood said his immediate objective was a senior premiership at the club.
“But I’m also realistic and understand that things don’t change overnight. It takes time to build a successful culture and for sustained success we need to have everyone working together.
“The more helpers and volunteers and players we can draw to the club the more enjoyable and successful it will become.
“I would love to have successful teams, male and female, all the way through to our juniors,” Petterwood said.