Fraser out, Hart in at Preston

CLUB STATEMENT



Dear valued partners and members of the Northern Bullants,



Over the weekend we were informed that Senior Coach, Josh Fraser has been offered and since accepted a Full-Time coaching position at an AFL club. Josh has always been clear with his ambitions to eventually re-enter the coaching ranks at the top level, so it is with mixed emotions that he departs Cramer Street.



To say that Josh has played a significant role in bringing this great club back to life is a massive understatement. The dedication and sacrifice that he has displayed, particularly over the past 18 months will never be forgotten. His passion for the club is infectious and the environment he created in such a short period of time is something that we all love being a part of. We would like to congratulate Josh on his recent appointment and thank Kylie, Ted and Emmy for their support. They will always be welcome members of the Ants.



As a result of this, we are excited to inform you that Ben Hart has accepted the position of Senior Coach of the Bullants for 2022. Ben is a two-time AFL premiership player with Adelaide, member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame and has over 12 years’ coaching experience at AFL level. Ben was a key member of the 2021 Bullants coaching panel and provided great support to Josh. His level of professionalism, expertise and proven ability to build strong relationships made this an easy decision for the club to make. We look forward to Ben and his family’s continued involvement at the club.



Thank you all for your tremendous support of the club in it’s return year. Both Josh and Ben have provided personal messages below:



Shane Joules

General Manager

 

A Word From Frase.

Preston City Oval is a special place. When I reflect on the journey we have been through to reestablish the club as a standalone entity from the ground up it gives me enormous pride. Throughout all the challenges thrown our way we embraced and adapted together as a football club and did things The Preston Way with every effort and intention of keeping this famous club alive.  



I'd like to acknowledge and thank the board for their tireless work over the past 12 months along with many other fantastic people who have made significant contributions to the Bullants VFL return. 



The Bullant's are about the people. Coaches, medical, high performance, and volunteers have made this club special. 



I have so much admiration and respect for our players. Their love for the club, jumper and each other was evident in the way they played. They played with unconditional Ant's Spirit and I am a better coach for having been involved with this group.



I would like to congratulate and wish Ben Hart every success as the new Senior Coach. The club has appointed a fantastic coach and person who is the perfect fit to take the club forward. 



Lastly to the larger Bullants family. Our corporate partners, members, fans, past players and Northern community more broadly, thank you. The club would not exist without all of you. 



I will now look on as a supporter of this famous club with pride. I look forward to seeing you all at PCO in season 2022.



Josh Fraser



 

I’d like to congratulate Josh on his return to the AFL, having worked very closely with him over the past twelve months I am positive that with his knowledge, skillset and professionalism he will be an extremely valuable asset to a clubs Football Department. 



Josh leaves with an enormous amount of pride for the work he has done to see the revival of the Northern Bullants. He has played an integral part in rebuilding this historic and successful football club, he certainly epitomises the Preston way. We wish him all the very best with his new venture.



When I first arrived at Preston I was captured by its people, its passion and the very evident Bullants Spirit. I am excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to coach this wonderful football club and continue to build on the fantastic work that has been done by so many in the past as we look forward to a bright future. 



We will continue to strive for greatness on and off the field, to connect with our community, to grow, operate and play in a way that will make our people proud to be a part of the Northern Bullants.



We look forward to all of our sponsors, members and supporters continuing the march with us.



Ben Hart.