Sport
27 August, 2025
Rooke to lead Tigers
SIMPSON Football Netball Club made a major announcement last week, with news that Grady Rooke has been appointed as senior football coach for the 2026 season.
Starting at Simpson, Rooke played in the Tigers’ 2014 and 2015 flags as a teenager.
For the last seven years Rooke has played at Hampden league level for Cobden, where he has won a best and fairest and is currently assistant coach.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Grady on board as coach,” Simpson president Bree Jones said.
“The playing group is really excited about the appointment, there’s such a good vibe around the place.”
That vibe has seen a whole host of Simpson’s senior players already recommitting to the club for next season.
Getting the appointment done early was important for the Tigers’ 2026 preparations.
“We were really keen to get that announcement rolling so we could really get stuck into recruiting,” Jones said.
As well as a coach, the Tigers know they’ve got a high quality player as well.
“His playing ability will be a huge asset, he’s probably coming right into his peak,” Jones said.
“He will bring fantastic leadership both on and off the ground.”
Jones was also pleased that outgoing coach Damien Pemberton will stay on as a Simpson player.
“We’re absolutely delighted that Pembo is staying around, he and his family are fantastic people.
“He did a terrific job as coach, especially in bringing through our juniors to play senior football.”
While adding to their senior list is a priority, shoring up their under 18 football team remains key in Simpson’s planning.
“The under 18 team is a real worry, we are basically in the same position for next year as we were this year.
“With the population in the Simpson area dwindling, we will need to put in a big effort to keep that team going.”
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