GSFL 2025: Experienced sporting coach and ex-North Mt Barker player Gary Pope takes over as Bulls league coach

Mt Barker will be under a new coach for the 2025 Great Southern Football League season, with assistant Gary Pope taking the reins from Brad Hook. Hook has left the role after two seasons as head coach, taking the Bulls to a preliminary final in 2024 and an elimination final in 2023. Pope has served as his assistant in both of those seasons but has stepped up to take charge of the Bulls as they look to mount a premiership tilt. He comes with a wealth of coaching experience from nearly three decades overseas with cricket and has a strong football background with the now defunct North Mt Barker before a WAFL stint with Claremont. Pope said he jumped at the chance to become league coach of the Bulls. “Its something I kind of had in mind (coaching),” he said. “Hooky has done a hell of a lot of work over the years. “What I want to bring as a coach is a strong mentality of self-belief and create a drive for success. “If these guys can get onboard then we will be in a good position. “We have a good young squad of players and the last two years of experience has created a stronger belief. “We are the full package, we just need to put it all together.” The Bulls began pre-season training in January and Pope has been buoyed by the strong numbers so far. New Bulls president Jarrad Beech, who has taken over from Matt Gilbert, said the club was thrilled to have someone with Pope’s determination as senior coach. “Gary’s passion and motivation really stood out,” Beech said. “He’s got real drive to have success. “It has been part of the succession, Hooky will still be around the club but is taking a bit of a backward step. “Gary’s application was very strong and while he had some time away in England he’s had a lot of experience in coaching cricket and played footy at a high level as well.” The Bulls made the announcement late last year, also confirming Damon Simpson will coach their reserves and Daniel Baker is in charge of the 16s.