SWFL 2023: Former assistant coach Daniel Wiseman revealed as inaugural Dunsborough Sharks League coach

As South West Football League clubs turn their attention towards pre-season training, Dunsborough Sharks have announced who will be coaching its inaugural league team.

Daniel Wiseman has been announced as coach for the Sharks’ League side, slated to make its SWFL debut in 2023 following the club joining the league with its Colts, Reserves and Women’s teams this year.

Wiseman has a long-standing history in WA regional football, having started his playing career in Albany in the Great Southern Football League before relocating to Donnybrook where he played more than 250 games.

During his time at Donnybrook, Wiseman had stints as president, board member, treasurer and football manager, as well as being an assistant coach to Julian Burgess for four years, including the Dons’ 2018 premiership.

After spending a couple of years away from coaching senior football, Wiseman returned to working alongside Burgess as an assistant coach with South Bunbury in 2022.

Wiseman said taking on the role with Dunsborough provided a good opportunity to have a crack as a head coach.

“At first it was something I never really thought about,” he said.

“I was always happy just helping ‘Burgo’ out and he and I are great mates and I think he is undoubtedly the GOAT of South West coaching.

“I’ve said to a few people that I wouldn’t coach any other South West club but this opportunity was just too good to pass up.

“It’s new, exciting and something I can sink my teeth into pretty well.”

While development will be at the forefront for the Sharks, Wiseman hopes to bring success to the club and be competitive within the League competition.

“I hope to deliver a premiership in my time there but obviously there’s a lot of work to do before that,” Wiseman said.

“Just building a really strong culture and a good pathway for juniors to come in and play senior footy in Dunsborough instead of leaving the area.

“Hopefully in a couple of years time we can put ourselves in a position to play deep finals.”

Sharks president Mark Delane said the club’s executive committee were delighted to have Wiseman on board.

“We very much look forward to working together for many years to come and fulfilling our club’s potential in the SWFL,” Delane said.

The club also announced their other coaches - Tommy McNeil (Reserves), Geoff Barr (Colts), and Paul Dean (Women).