The club’s director of football Terry Arnell said with Roberts undertaking recovery from a broken leg, Wade would help ease the burden on the midfielder. 

“Deek was fantastic and we couldn’t have been happier with the group,” Arnell said.

“Deek has a fair bit of recovery leading into Christmas, so Tim takes a bit of pressure off and can let him focus on that. 

“Deek was very easy to talk to and Tim was our bench coach this season and wants to get involved a bit more. It’s a really good fit for him to come along.”

Arnell said most of the group had re-signed, including grand final stars Ben Lakin and Jordyn Burke. It’s a different scenario to this season, in which roughly a third of the senior list from 2017 did not play on. 

READ MORE: Horsham Demons claim back-to-back flags 

Rhona Conboy will be a sole assistant coach after being in that role alongside John Wood this season. Wood is sussing out work commitments before next season.

Roberts said the coaching group would be more structured next season.

“It will be pretty smooth and we have all gotten to know each other pretty well over the past couple of years,” Roberts said.

“It’s going to take a bit of pressure off and Rhona will step up and increase his workload. I’m really looking forward to it. It will definitely be a good set-up. Guy Smith will be helping out as well in pre-season with injury management and junior development so it’s a good structure to have.”

Wade, 36, played in the 2017 flag but missed this season through an Achilles injury. He said not being able to play had urged him to get more involved. 

“With the young list we have and not being able to play this season, it has driven me to get more involved,” he said.

“I really enjoyed the bench coaching and am pretty good mates with Deek. We have 10 juniors stepping up from under-17s and I really want to try and pass on some of my experience to the young group.”

Wade has had coaching experience at Kalkee as joint-coach for three seasons and will be going into his third year with the Demons. 

He said he was also keen to play again in 2019.

“I’m going to play it by ear but I’m into strength and conditioning at the moment and if my leg is alright I think I’ll have a crack,” he said.

“Otherwise I’m happy to coach from the sidelines.”

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