Blues Brothers back at Unley

By Reece Homfray, The Advertiser

THE old band is getting back together at Unley with Sturt appointing former greats Brodie Atkinson and Bruce Lennon as assistants to new coach Seamus Maloney next season.

The trio played together in the late 1990s and early 2000s including the premiership year of 2002, however Lennon missed the flag due to injury.

Atkinson also played in a premiership with North Adelaide in 1991 before joining Sturt in 1996 and winning the 1997 Magarey Medal in a career spanning 222 games.



Lennon is a multiple best-and-fairest winner at Unley who also played 28 games with Richmond from 1992-93.



Maloney - who replaced Luke Norman last month - captained Sturt in the triumphant 2002 grand final.



"We've been pretty good friends our whole footy lives," Atkinson said.



"Seamus feels with us three back together we've got pretty similar philosophies on getting the culture right and the gameplan.

"Bruce and myself had mentor roles last season so it's good to get involved from an assistant's point of view."

Lennon said he had to think about it after Maloney approached him recently, but decided he wanted to be involved.

"I enjoy my footy and feel I have a little bit to offer," Lennon said.

Atkinson will serve as Maloney's main assistant and midfield coach and Lennon will be responsible for the backline while Paul Sandercock (forwardline) and Paul Jarvis (reserves) have retained their roles for next season.

Sturt players and coaches will hold a meeting on Monday before pre-season training starts on November 14.