The Pirates have secured two of the most credentialed and experienced coaches in Australia for its 2017 QBL campaign. Boomers and Bullets assistant coach Mick Downer will take the helm of the "Ship" while Jason Chainey returns as the Pirates most successful women's coach in Pirate history.
Jason led the Pirate girls to back to back QBL grand final appearances in 2007 & 2008. Since those breakout years as coach Jason has continued to develop his skills and resume having the opportunity to coach in the WNBL with the Logan Thunder. Jason regularly spends time with the friend and mentor, WNBA Phoenix Mercury championship coach and Australian Opal legend, Sandy Brondello. Jason's immediate goal is to develop a team that can return the Pirates to playoffs and build a platform for continued success.
2017 will be Mick Downer's second year of involvement in the Pirate's QBL program having briefly played the mentor role to Nate Tate's successful rookie season as a head coach. It is hoped Nate will remain with the program and develop through Mick's experience. Mick's Olympic and work commitments limited his involvement this year, but with the Olympics over and the Bullets return to the NBL complete, Mick's schedule will allow him to develop his skills as Head Coach of the Pirates.
See what Bullets General Manager Richard Clarke had to say!
Mick's main focus will be to retain the core group of players that led the Pirates to the QBL playoffs this year and take them further in 2017. A key signing will be QBL MVP Pirate's forward Tanner Mcgrew.
Retaining Bairstow, Vines, Teys and McGrewwill be a tough ask as they will be widely sought after by other clubs. The Pirates crew are working hard to find and secure community partnerships at any level to help keep the team together and build and retain the women's team. You can help by clicking on your favourite player and offer your support. ANY support at ANY level.is welcome!!!
