Brad Ottens joins the RAMS

Geelong’s triple-premiership winning ruckman Brad Ottens has become the latest experienced AFL footballer to join the NSW/ACT RAMS coaching panel.

Ottens, 32, joins Jason Saddington, Tadhg Kennelly and Ryan Houlihan in the coaches box guiding NSW/ACT footballers to the elite level.

The 245-game Richmond and Geelong veteran will be the ruck and forward-line coach of both the Under-18 and Under-16 RAMS.

The Joss Talent Program is coming off a highly successful period with 53 players either primary or rookie listed in the end of season drafts in the last five years.

With the calibre of coaches guiding the RAMS through the Under-18 and Under-16 NAB AFL National Championships it’s likely there’ll be even more local players on club lists in the future.

Ottens said he’s looking forward to commencing the role with the RAMS.

“I never really planned on coaching but the idea of guiding and coaching younger guys really appeals to me more than coaching at senior level,” Ottens said.

“It [coaching the RAMS] is something that I’m really excited to be part of; coaching the talented young blokes who are just getting started and giving them a hand and a bit of guidance.

“It will be good to pass on some of my experiences. It’s something I’m looking forward to doing.”

In the past, NSW/ACT players have been overlooked by AFL clubs but that’s all changing with a number of players debuting in the opening round of the NAB Cup.

With a defined talent pathway in place from Auskick to the elite level and the establishment of the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS Academy there are more opportunities than ever before for talented athletes to be drafted.

For Ottens, the chance to nurture and develop the next Lenny Hayes, Kieren Jack, Brett Kirk or Paul Kelly is what he’s looking forward to most in his coaching role.

“NSW is a growth area in footy in Australia. It’s traditionally a rugby state but the results of the team over the last few years is definitely improving,” he said.

“When I came through the system, NSW/ACT was a bit of a pushover and now they’re a lot more competitive, they’re definitely improving.

“It’s a growth area for the game so it’s exciting to be part of that.”

The former No. 2 draft pick said he’s excited to get started in the role and join Saddington, Kennelly and Houlihan in the coaches box.

“All of the RAMS coaches have been around the system for a long time and all have a lot to offer,” he said.

“All of us are a similar age and have only been out of the game for a little while. It’s good that we’re not too old fashioned and that we know what it’s going to take [to make it at the elite level].

“It’s good to be able to draw on experience and pass it on to the next crop of players.”

For all Under-18 and Under-16 RAMS news visit www.aflnswact.com.au.