Nick’s footy journey began right here at the Katunga Recreation Reserve. Playing all his under 14 footy with the Swans, culminating in being captain of the 1994 Premiership under late club stalwart David Knight.
Nick’s senior playing career began at fellow PDFL club Blighty, winning the 1st XVIII leading goal kicker as an 18 year old. After playing in 3 Grand Finals and a prelim with Blighty Nick was lured to MFL club Barooga under renowned hard man Garry Stevens. In 2003 Nick was named Vice Captain, a position he held until 2006. After playing in the 2007 senior Grand Final and 2008 Reserves premiership Nick began his coaching journey in 2009 leading the Hawks Reserves to back-to-back triumphs.
In 2010 and 2011 Nick worked as a non-playing assistant under Vic Country champion Rob Wren. In 2013 the Wren/Flanagan duo moved to Blighty leading them to a preliminary finish. In 2015 Nick moved back to Barooga to take a non-playing assistant role under highly regarded mentor Leigh Ramsdale, 2017 he continued in a similar role under co-coaching duo James Hazelman and former Gold Coast Suns listed Tyrone Downie. 2018 Nick took on the co-coaching role with Hazelman leading the club to its first grand final appearance in 10 years.
The demands of a young family and running and operating his own dairy businesses has led to Nick having a break from coaching over the last 5 years. The opportunity to co-coach the club he grew up in has reignited his passion for coaching. With the club’s many, many high-quality juniors and back-to-back top 4 finishes of the senior side, Nick is excited and highly motivated to help take the club to the next level on field. He looks forward to working with the highly respected 200 game player Brad Crowther and the challenge of leading the on-field fortunes of the club.
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