Gold Coast Development Coach Tate Kaesler is a perfect addition to Stuart Dew’s coaching department.
Like Dew, Kaesler is a relationships man, and after serving over ten years at the Adelaide Crows he is well-equipped to provide guidance to some of the SUNS’ youngest players.
Since joining the club in August last year, Kaesler has taken some time to adjust to his new environment.
“The first thing is just getting to know everyone,” he told SUNS TV.
“I’m really big on relationships and while it’s been challenging it’s been really enjoyable to find out about all these different players and what makes them tick so that’s been the most exciting part.”
In total, Kaesler spent close to 12 years at the Crows and worked his way up from originally starting as the merchandise manager, to becoming a development coach and finally defensive assistant coach for two years.
“I spent six years in development which is obviously where I am at the moment up here at the SUNS and I really enjoyed that,” he said.
“I think some of the players I was lucky enough to deal with (at Adelaide), some of their traits and the way they go about training I think is something that I can bring to the young guys here and just teach them a little bit about how guys prepare to be the best.
“There’s a great group of young kids here that we’ve got a lot of time with that we can potentially turn into a really exciting and good football club.”
In his new role, Kaesler will work under NEAFL coach Nick Malceski and will likely oversee the development of the club’s newest draftees to start the season.
“It’s exciting to have your own team that you can develop players in the way that you want to and get them ready for AFL football,” Kaesler said.
“I’ve had some really good dealings with Nick so far and really looking forward to the start of the NEAFL season and hopefully we can get the NEAFL team back in the finals.
“The enthusiasm of this group is really infectious and it’s something that drives you as a coach to come here every day.
“That’s one thing for me is I’m here to help these guys achieve their goals and along the way I’ll have a really good journey.”
