Northern Jets unveil Darren Jackson as new coach

FORMER Finley goalkicking machine Darren Jackson has always had a desire to get into senior coaching and will get the opportunity to do so next year at Northern Jets.

The Farrer League club on Monday unveiled Jackson as its senior coach for next season.

Jackson enjoyed a decorated career, highlighted by two years at AFL club Geelong, and has a long association with Finley and the Murray League representative team.

Jackson is no stranger to the Jets and was bench coach under Matt Hard and Nigel Smith but will now return to the club as the main man.

"It's very exciting," Jackson said.

"I've always wanted to coach but have been that busy at work and have been waiting and waiting.

"I started a new job five months ago which will allow me to do it, so I'm very excited, I'm looking forward to it."

Jackson played under the late Tom Hafey at Geelong and also spent a season with South Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL).

He is a four-time leading goalkicker through the 80s and 90s in the Murray League and assistant coach to Dale Weightman in his time at Finley.

Jackson also played in two premierships as assistant coach at Finley, under Mark Newton.

In recent times, Jackson has coached the Murray League representative team and held a coordinator position this season.

Jackson said the immediate goal is to return the Jets to finals football.

"The aim is to play finals next year," he said.

"We're not going to get carried away.

"If we're lucky enough to go a bit better then that would be great."

The Jets have already welcomed back Sam Fisher as assistant coach, as well as Temora premiership teammate Brad Moye.

The club hopes to announce further signings this week.

Jets president Brett Prentice was rapt to appoint Jackson as coach.

"We're very delighted to get him on board with all his experience," Prentice said.

"He's got good football knowledge, lots of contacts and is well known around the place.

"We're hoping now that it's done it will lead on to recruiting a few more players."

Jackson, through his contacts, will spend a week at AFL club Richmond in January, along with Fisher, where they will learn from the Tigers' coaching staff.

The Jets will kick off their pre-season training in the "next couple of weeks".

Jackson also hopes to keep outgoing coach Stu Hutchins involved at the club.