FARRER LEAGUE
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FARRER League has landed a major coup with the appointment of Jason McPherson as its new representative coach.
McPherson will return to the coaching ranks for the first time in three years as he looks to lead Farrer League's rise up the representative rankings when it tackles Picola League at Robertson Oval next year.
McPherson, the regional manager of Southern NSW AFL, last coached NSW Country at the Australian Country Championships when he led them to a third-placed finish, its best result in a decade.
His role at AFL NSW-ACT does not allow him to coach club sides and McPherson jumped at the opportunity to return to representative football when the Farrer League position was advertised last month.
"I'm looking forward to it," McPherson said.
"My role with the AFL doesn't allow me to coach individual clubs so this is an opportunity for me.
"The Farrer League hasn't had a lot of success over the last five years and when the job was advertised I thought 'why not'."
McPherson has a distinguished football background.
He played about 40 games for Sydney Swans before enjoying a decorated career in AFL Sydney, where he has since been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
McPherson coached AFL Sydney clubs Western Suburbs and University of NSW-Eastern Suburbs, where he is a two-time premiership player and Phelan Medallist.
Since, he has spent time as a coach of the Giants Academy and kicking coach for NRL clubs, South Sydney, Wests Tigers and South African Super rugby club Sharks.
Farrer League president David Oehm was happy with the appointment, along with the response for the coaching position after it was advertised.
"We're very happy," Oehm said.
"The main reason, and some of the other applicants were very good, but the CMC were looking for a suitably credentialed person that had no affiliation to any clubs in the league, to coach.
"So they could go out and watch any game they wanted to of a weekend."
Oehm said McPherson was a standout selection.
"Jason's resume and credentials are second to none, and he's keen to do it," Oehm said.
"He'll bring a lot to the table.
"We've gradually been getting better and better and it's time to take the next step now and have a victory.
"I think this is a step in the right direction and am looking forward to it."
McPherson replaces Gavin Hofert as Farrer League coach.
Farrer League led for stages of this year's representative game before going down to Ovens and King League by 30 points.
McPherson cannot wait to get started.
"Picola will be stronger this year with the merger of both leagues," he said.
"I'm hoping the best players will put their hand up and make themselves available to represent the league.
"For example, Coleambally had a great year last year and didn't have a player represent the league.
"We'll be picking on performance, not on the past."
McPherson is yet to assemble his selectors and coaching staff.