Dual premiership coach Andrew Ruck reappointed as Royals league coach for 2022 GSFL season

An enjoyable and successful three years at the helm of Royals Football Club was a key reason behind the decision for Andrew Ruck to enter a fourth year as league coach.

Ruck led the Lions to back-to-back premierships in 2019 and 2020, his first two seasons in charge, but went down to arch rivals Railways in the 2021 decider.

The Lions have only lost three games in three seasons under the care of the 74-game WAFL player.

The dual premiership coach was the only applicant for the top job and is keen to lead the Lions back to the top in the 2022 Great Southern Football League season.

“It’s been an enjoyable three years and we have a good group of players so there was no reason not to go again,” Ruck said.

“You have to apply every year so there is always an opportunity not to go again but with the current situation at the club with a good group of members, players and people involved it was a pretty easy decision.

“I can have a nice balance with coaching and down time while I have no kids.

“The decision doesn’t have much to do with redemption.

“It was a really good game in the grand final, if our premier game can be as good as that, I think the competition is in a really good position.

“As with all the Albany clubs there isn’t really much room for improving your playing group so we have to look within to some of our kids and our reserves players and try get them up to standard.”

Lions football manager Tom Moir said the club was delighted to have Ruck on board again.

“We are extremely happy with Rucky’s performance over the past three years, winning two grand finals,” he said.

“He hasn’t lost many games over the years and brings success to the club.

“From a club point of view it’s great to have a big figure like Rucky on board.

“Obviously as a club we were disappointed to lose the grand final to Railways as was he but it’s good for the competition.”

The Lions have confirmed the rest of their coaching structure for this year.

Scott Ganzer will again coach the reserves after helping them win the 2021 premiership while Darrell Panizza has stepped up as colts coach after being in charge of the sixteens for the past few seasons.

Popular figure James McRae has taken over as sixteens coach.