Sports News Sunraysia with Sammy Smythe

Bendigo Braves legend and inaugural premiership coach David Flint has been appointed as an assistant coach for the 2015-16 Wattle Valley WNBL season.Flint played 319 games for the Braves and was named in the SEABL Team of the 1980s and Head Coach of the Team of the 1990s.

Flint was recently appointed Head Coach of the Ballarat Rush — the city’s SEABL women’s team — for the next two seasons, and spent six years coaching at the Australian Junior National Championships.

“I am really looking forward to the being involved with the Bendigo Bank Spirit this season and having the opportunity to work with both (Head Coach) Simon Pritchard and (Assistant Coach) Andrea Walsh,” Flint said.

“The vibe around the players is very positive at the moment and no doubt I would like to keep that momentum going.

“I am keen to work with the players individually and assist with their ongoing development on an individual level that will no doubt transfer over to our training sessions and our WNBL games.

“I see this coaching opportunity as a direct link between The Spirit and The Rush, with the ability to give all country Victorian players a clear pathway to the national league.”

Flint said he is impressed with Head Coach Simon Pritchard and where the team, and the club, is heading.

“I had a tremendous meeting with Simon last week and 100 per cent agree with his coaching philosophy and his expectations of me,” he said.

“I watched training on Thursday night and I think we will be able to put a very competitive team on the floor every night.

“We have a team that has a fantastic mix of proven WNBL talent and a solid group of

younger players who are looking to impress.

“We will play an enjoyable brand of basketball for the Bendigo fans to come out and

support. It is an exciting year to be a member of the club, so I encourage everyone to sign up.”

Pritchard said Flint’s reputation was almost second to none.

“Anyone who has played with him or under him cannot give him enough accolades,” he said.

“His ability to get the best out of players individually will be a great asset to this club and to Bendigo basketball in general.

“He is a legend of the game and a legend of this city. He is also a legend of a bloke.”

To take advantage of the new reduced membership deals, go to www.bendigospirit.com.au