ONE of the region’s most experienced mentors and a star forward will combine to lead Bellarine league club Modewarre in 2023.
The Warriors have confirmed the appointment of Chris Carlon and Tom Hornsey as the replacement for Chris Hickey as they look to improve on this year’s first semi-final exit.
“Both bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the club,” Modewarre football boss Michael Fitzgerald said in a statement.
“Through his time in the USA in both the College Football system and the NFL, and personal background in strength and conditioning and teaching, Tom will be huge for our improvement and success-driven squad.
“Chris has an extensive coaching resume. He is no stranger to our Great Country Club, acting as senior assistant in 2017 and the 2018 senior premiership season before returning to his home club St Albans as senior coach.
“They are looking forward to getting started on list management, recruiting and the pre-season program.”
A St Joseph’s junior, who played with the Geelong Falcons and Geelong’s VFL team, Hornsey has spent the past two seasons at Modewarre.
He joined the Warriors are a season at Grovedale on his return from the USA, where he had an impressive stint as a punter in US College football with Memphis.
The 33-year-old also spent time with several NFL teams but never made a final squad.
“I’m excited and honoured to coach this great club alongside Chris,” Hornsey said.
“We have a mindset of going out and winning a premiership, as well as maintaining the strong culture that this club has built and is all about.
“I’m looking forward to a big pre-season.”
After stepping down from his role at the Supersaints during the COVID-19 pause to local football in 2020, Carlon – who has also coached Newcomb, Geelong West (GDFNL) and former Colac league club Forrest – found his way back to Moriac this year.
“Tom and I have been given a great opportunity to coach Modewarre and are looking forward to the task ahead,” he said.
Twitter: @krockfotball
