Ashley Prescott doesn’t need to look far to be reminded of his Western Australian surroundings, finding familiar faces in two of his peers in Mark Riley and Guy McKenna. 

Coincidently, all three men were at the helm of the Claremont Football Club over a consecutive seven year period.

From 2001-02, Riley was the leading figurehead at “Tigerland”, leading the club through two strong seasons where he was awarded Western Australian Football Coach of the Year, catapulting him to an assistant coaching role at Fremantle.

Succeeding his future offensive strategist, Riley’s vacated post opened the door for McKenna to earn his coaching stripes as a professional and efficient communicator, before his departure to Collingwood saw Prescott handed the keys to the WAFL powerhouse for the next four seasons. 

But it was under “Bluey’s” tutelage where Prescott first learned the nuts and bolts of the coaching game, telling goldcoastfc.com.au McKenna’s attention to detail and approach to football had been what impressed him most about his future colleague. 

“I was fortunate to play under Guy when I was at Claremont Football Club, before he went to Collingwood and also under Mark Riley who was senior coach at the time,” he said.

“His professionalism and expectations he puts on his players was impressive, but also he is a very good communicator and really sees them not only as footballers but also people too. 

“Their impressive qualities to have and it’s great to have built a bit of history with know a few familiar faces.” 

At Fremantle, Prescott played a significant development role under Ross Lyon, working closely with the senior list as they made a remarkable run to the 2013 Grand Final. 

Now on the Gold Coast, the former Tiger and Docker is excited at the opportunity to develop an equally talented playing list.  

“It’s probably not quite as matured at this stage, but what the Gold Coast have done particularly well is expose their young players into how tough the AFL industry is.

“Obviously their two clubs at different spectrums, but it’s exciting times ahead for the Gold Coast SUNS.”