SWFL 2023: Derek Hall returns to Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault as league coach, excited for the times ahead

Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault have appointed Derek Hall as league coach for season 2024. Hall, a quality forward who played 76 AFL games for Geelong and West Coast between 1995-2000, is no stranger to Brunswick Oval, having last coached the Lions’ league side back in 2018. As was the case last time around, Hall has no shortage of talent at his disposal, which could bode well for another successful tenure. “I had a couple of years off because my young fella (Hall’s son Clay) headed to Mandurah to play in the WAFL for Peel Thunder,” he said. “So I wanted to make sure I was able to watch him throughout his journey, as he progressed through the ranks. “And with this also came an opportunity to watch my daughters and wife play netball as well. So over the last two years, it’s been really good being able to watch them do lots of things. “I really enjoyed it — but what it also probably did was re-affirm in my mind that I wanted to be involved once again.” Hall was planning on being involved in some capacity at the Lions, however when the league coaching position became available, he felt it was another opportunity to work closely with the modern-day footballer. “It (coaching) is something I enjoy doing,” he said. “I like working with young people — trying to get the best out of them and creating an environment where people can prosper.” During his career at AFL and WAFL level, Hall played under several respected coaches including Mick Malthouse and Gary Ayres. With such a wide-ranging catalogue of former coaches and teammates, the Lions boss gets a newfound understanding of what his former coaches taught him as a player. “I suppose you are moulded into the coach you are from your experiences,” Hall said. “You take little bits and pieces from all of the coaches you’ve had. “But there’s certainly been a change — which I think is fantastic by the way — in how people coach now.”