Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club - Official Site

The Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club announces the appointment of Chris MacLean as the club’s Head Coach for the 2010 season.  MacLean's football knowledge and passion to take the Swans to the next level were key points in him getting the job.

"Chris earned the position by his competitiveness and work ethic as a player and an assistant coach.  His intelligence, experience and devotion to constant improvement are real assets to the Swans,” said Swans President Ray Kaduck about MacLean.

MacLean, born in New Glasgow, NS, has a rich history in sport.  He played soccer and hockey from a young age and spent four years as a student athlete at Mount Allison University. MacLean is not new to coaching either, having coached high school and summer school soccer programs.  MacLean's introduction to Australian football came through an extended eight-year stay in Australia, learning the basics from close friends and becoming a passionate Sydney Swans fan in the process.  On his return to Canada, MacLean joined the Ottawa Swans as a player in 2008 before serving his coaching apprenticeship under Head Coach Corey Bowen in 2009.

Bowen led the Swans to the club’s first four wins during an exciting 2009 campaign. However, he left the coaching position vacant after the 2009 season to pursue career commitments off the field, and to spend more time with his young son Hunter. "Corey pushed the team extremely hard from preseason training on and this hard work paid off in four wins in our second season,” said Ray Kaduck. “This is an outstanding achievement and I am sure that Corey's indomitable spirit and work ethic have become part of the Swans values.  His toughness will be his legacy to the Swans."

MacLean’s focus on building the club does not stop with the playing group. The newly appointed coach is eager to share his ideas on growing the sport in the nation’s capital. "The Swans are always looking for more people to get involved, and not just players. Hopefully the style of football we play this season will attract bigger crowds and see more volunteers sign up," MacLean said, suggesting a possible shift in the way the club will line up on the field in 2010. "The 2009 season was such a success and we need to carry that momentum into the 2010 season.  We've seen the skill level of this side develop rapidly and we hope that continues."

MacLean will name his assistants in early 2010.