Almost every off-season since Daniel Lawrence left Tolland for Wagga United in 2012, Wolves senior vice-president and premiership winning coach Dave Antill would attempt to lure him home.
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Sometimes Antill’s advances were serious and sometimes they were tongue-in-cheek, knowing Lawrence wanted to stay put.
But this year he finally got his man, with Lawrence set to take over the coaching duties from Chris Ayton and Kyle Harrison.
The 24-year-old said he had always planned to move back to his childhood club eventually.
“When I first left, I sat down with (president) Maurie Hogan and club legend Steve Waite and gave them my word that I’d be back one day,” Lawrence said.
“Then the offer to coach came along and there was that drawcard of a new challenge.”
Lawrence said his first order of business would be to instill a positive feeling within his playing group.
“The main thing I want to get across to the guys is that this is our chance for a fresh start after everything that happened last season,” he said.
“I think bringing that element of communication and professionalism is key when you’re dealing with a group of young men.
“It’s really important to get in touch with them and talk to them about the plans for the new season ahead. We want to put the past behind us.”
Lawrence said he saw a lot of potential in the club’s existing playing group, which toppled competition heavyweights Henwood Park and Lake Albert last season, and hopes to retain the team’s core.
“I’ve have a really good response from the players regarding coming back,” he said.
“I’m hoping we’ll only have one or two holes to fill.”
The young coach will also bring invaluable premiership experience to his new team, having won the Pascoe Cup with Wagga United in 2013 and 2014.
He captained the orange and black as recently as 2016 and United coach Travis Weir had planned to reinstate him as captain next season.
