Our Coaches
Banks Rowing Club prides itself on the expertise and variety of its coaching team. All members of the coaching team aim to let every athlete perform to their highest standard and achieve their on water performance goals whilst embodying the Banks vision.
Danny Crofton - Senior and Youth Men's Coach
Danny Crofton has been coaching rowing since his early twenties. Beginning with coaching a large sweep program at his alma mater, Manchester University. After a successful season as Manchester University Boat Club Head Coach he was awarded UoM Coach of the Year for having a “positive impact on the results, training sessions and motivation” of the club.
He has previously been involved as Senior Boys Coach at Gippsland Grammar in 2022 and is now a coordinator at Carey helping develop them from the junior level. In the 2023/24 Season he assisted across our senior men's and women's squad helping them to achieve great results at the national championships. He is now stepping up to lead our senior men's squad in the 2024/25 season and developing talent in the Men's Youth Squad.
Eleanor Crute - Senior and Youth Women's Coach
Eleanor has been involved in rowing for more than 10 years. She began her coaching career eight years ago and has been involved in many schools and masters rowing programs. She has a great passion for the sport, especially encouraging and supporting the involvement of young women in rowing. When coaching she emphasizes correct technique, goal setting and time management. Her aim is to create an inclusive environment where all athletes feel valued.
“Culture off the water breeds success on the water.”
For questions about our Senior and Youth Women's squad Eleanor can be reached at Eleanor512@hotmail.com
Blair Baggott - Club Men's and Women's Squad Coach
Blair has over 10 years of rowing experience as both a competitor and a coach. Prior to moving to Melbourne and joining Banks in 2021, he was involved in the rowing community in Sydney, coaching at a Highschool and University level. Blair oversaw the novice squad at the University of New South Wales Rowing Club, where he taught newcomers to the sport the fundamentals of rowing. “Everyone is welcome in our boat, it’s a great place to work on your fitness and enjoy the rowing lifestyle, as well as make friends and achieve both physical and mental goals. Rowing is a demanding sport, and I have found dedicating time to it helps me focus and excel in other areas of my life, an opportunity I believe should be extended to everyone.”
For questions about our Club squads Blair can be reached at Blair292@gmail.com
