The Scottsdale Football Club has made a big splash, announcing the appointment of Tasmanian football legend Rickie Dolliver as Men's Senior Coach ahead of the 2025 NTFA Premier League season.
He joins the Magpies on a two-year deal, bringing with him an illustrious career as both a player and a coach that has left an indelible mark on Tasmanian football.
Dolliver, who was inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame last year, will return to Tasmania after coaching in Canberra with the Belconnen Football Club, where he led multiple premiership-winning sides. He recently spent time in Tasmania engaging with the club’s board, senior leadership group, and supporters, with plans to make the move permanent in early January.
Speaking as the appointment was announced, Scottsdale Football Club President David Mullins expressed enthusiasm about the future under Dolliver’s leadership. “Rickie is not only a Hall of Famer with an incredible playing history, but he also brings a proven coaching record," Mullins said.
"His experience and dedication to the game make him the perfect fit for our club as we push the Scottsdale football towards success in the NTFA Premier League. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the Magpie family.”
Dolliver's appointment represents a homecoming of sorts, and his roots in Tasmanian football run deep. Known for his grit and talent, he made his TFL senior debut for Hobart at 17 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a premiership player with the Tigers in 1980, earning a Best & Fairest award with Sandy Bay in 1988, and taking on the role of Captain/Coach for Burnie at the age of 23.
He also starred on the national stage, representing Tasmania against Geelong in 1979 and captaining the state at the National Amateur Championships, where he earned All-Australian honours.
Since hanging up his boots, Dolliver has built a stellar coaching reputation, particularly through his tenure at the Belconnen, where he led multiple teams to great success. With a deep understanding of the game and a wealth of leadership experience, the Magpies will hope that he can lead the charge into an exciting new era.