mmg.com.au

A desire to return the Murray Football League to a ranking more reflective of its ability has driven Scott Beattie to coach the interleague side in 2013.

Murray lost to Sunraysia by 100 points in May, resulting in it dropping to 11th in the Victorian Country Football League rankings.

The Echuca United leader hopes by coaching the side, more of the league’s high-quality players will be attracted to represent the league.

‘‘We (Murray) didn’t have a real successful campaign this year,’’ Beattie said.

‘‘I decided I might have something to offer in that role.

‘‘Maybe a player-coach can generate a little more interest in a few of our top players to commit to the interleague.’’

The chance to assume the role came about after co-coach Stuart Roe stepped down, while Adrian Daly will remain as a co-coach with Beattie.

The coach said he wanted the players to be proud of representing the league.

‘‘Without the league, they don’t have a club to play at,’’ he said.

‘‘We’re pretty passionate about getting the league back to where it deserves to be.

‘‘At the moment 11th is not ideal, as we should be around five or six in the rankings.

‘‘(Pride) is a big thing.

‘‘I am fairly passionate about the interleague side and, barring everything else, it’s a really enjoyable weekend.

‘‘The draw for next year will have two split rounds, so there’s a bit extra time off than normal.

‘‘I hope blokes commit to one weekend a year for an extra game of footy.’’

MFL executive member Wayne Deledio has also been appointed to the new role of interleague co-ordinator to help with administration and promotion of interleague football.

Beattie said Daly would play a huge role in the side this year, travelling around and watching a lot of games while Beattie coaches the Eagles each week.

‘‘He does a lot of homework on players and opposition players,’’ Beattie said.

‘‘He will run the bench as well.’’

The team selectors would be based from different clubs around the league, Beattie said.

‘‘That should give us a wide spread of people who can give us input from that side,’’ he said.

‘‘Our main focus is to get the interleague process right, done professionally and for the blokes to enjoy the weekend.’’