BALWYN coach Daniel Donati has been crowned the best senior coach in the state.
Donati was named the best coach in the senior category at the 26th annual Victorian Australian Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Awards at the MCG on Friday night.
The Balwyn coach’s award caps off an outstanding season, after guiding the Tigers to back-to-back premierships and winning the Central Region Senior Coach of the Year.
Donati came to the Balwyn Football Club at the end of 2011, shortly after the death of Shaun Bergin. He galvanised what was a shattered and emotional group into a strong, committed and proud team.
The 36-year-old coached the senior team to the Division 1 premiership from the Elimination Final in 2012, before leading his chargers to back-to back flags, only dropping one game during an outstanding 2013 season.
Not only the ‘coach’ at the football club, Donati also acts as a confidante and mentor to many of the players, assisting them in their work and personal lives.
Whether it is reviewing resumes or application letters, or assisting them to deal with some of the more difficult personal problems that life throws up, Donatil has been a tremendous source of support and advice for many of his playing group.
Congratulations also to Blackburn Under 12 Girls Coach Courtney Young and Knox Gardens Auskick Coach Scott Woodward, who were nominated for Best Female and Auskick Coach respectively.
Over 300 guests gathered at the MCG to acknowledge the work and achievements of over 10,000 community coaches across Victoria.