Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club - Official Site

Swans coach Chris Maclean didn’t waste any time in selecting his assistant coach for 2010.  Only a month after Maclean was given the job as Coach, he has appointed Yaser Abou Elenein to assist him and help take the club to the next level.

Abou Elenein is well-established within the club, having played both the 2008 and 2009 seasons with the Swans in a role that has seen him become a recognizable face in the midfield. "Yaser brings an unparalleled enthusiasm for the game of footy," explained Maclean in choosing his assistant. "His commitment to the Ottawa Swans is evident in the way he promotes the club, his desire to improve the club, and his interaction with the players is fantastic."

Abou Elenein is no stranger to Aussie Rules Football; he is of Egyptian decent and moved to Perth (Western Australia) to complete his University studies where he quickly picked up the game as a way of meeting new people.  He played several seasons in Perth before heading to Canada and joining the Swans in 2008 becoming an important part of the Swans midfield.  While in Australia he also obtained his AFL accredited Level 1 Coaching certificate, a certification that you would be hard-pressed to find in Canada and one that coach Maclean is keen to exploit. "He (Abou Elenein) will have plenty of insight into teaching new players the basic skills.  He will also be great with game-based decision-making, identifying weaknesses and areas for improvement."

Abou Elenein explained that organization is one of the qualities he has admired of Maclean over the last 2 years. "I've been lucky to have seen Google (Maclean) at work as an assistant coach last year and he has to be one of the most organized people I have ever met... this is absolutely necessary since you have to teach the players so much in so little time and that can only be achieved with good organization."

Maclean will also welcome back Tammy Bowen as this years Team Manager.  Tammy has been with the Swans since 2008 and the club would be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated and competent team manager anywhere.

The Swans began pre-season training in early February in preparation for the 2010 season.  Anyone interested in playing or learning the game should attend these sessions or contact Maclean through the Swans website. 

And with the 2010 season just around the corner, Maclean is confident that, teamed with his new understudy, the Swans are destined for a good year. "I look forward to working closely with Yaser, learning from him and together leading this team through what should be a great season."