Introducing Richard Gerke
I am pleased to announce that Richard Gerke has joined the coaching staff at North Shore and will take over from Josh David-Wright as our under 19 Head Coach.
Josh will still be involved with the under 19 squad, but has had to reduce his level of involvement this year due to work and family commitments, so we’re fortunate to have someone of Richard’s calibre take over the reigns and continue Josh’s good work.
By way of introduction, Richard was born and raised in Alice Springs and represented the Northern Territory at school boys level. While he was still at school he moved to SANFL club Woodville.
Richard represented the Northern Territory in the 1989 Teal Cup and his efforts in that carnival saw him selected in the under 18 All Australian team. He was also drafted by Richmond in 1989, but remained at home to complete his schooling.
In 1992 Richard moved in the SANFL to North Adelaide and continued his playing career with that club until his retirement from the SANFL in 1998 at the age 26.
In all, Richard played 143 SANFL games and he also represented South Australia twice in interstate games.
Richard’s initial introduction to Sydney AFL came through a stint at Pennant Hills in the early 2000’s and for a couple of years he was Assistant Coach of the senior NSW state team that played against the VFL.
After working overseas in recent years, Richard and his family have moved back to their home in West Pymble and following an introduction from Jon Hayres, Richard has decided to re-commence his footy involvement in Sydney with the Bombers!
If you get the opportunity to introduce yourself to Richard, please join with me in welcoming him to the club!!
John Goode – President.
