WILLASTON has re-signed A-grade coach Shaun Baker for the 2020 Barossa, Light & Gawler football season.

The Donnybrooks legend was originally named as an interim coach towards the end of the 2018 season, after former mentor Mal Greenwood departed the club following the player payment scandal that resulted in significant sanctions.

Baker coached Willaston to a preliminary final finish that year, and to seventh this year with seven wins.

Club president Kieran Sankey said he’s eager to see Baker continue his “good work” into 2020.

“I think his expectations of the playing group have been strong since the start,” he said.

“He’s been consistent all season.

“For us, we’ve seen good development, which has proven in our results in the back half of the year.

“The success has been good.

“We want to see that improve into next year.”

The Donnybrooks would’ve played finals this year had they not been stripped of four premiership points following the salary cap saga, and Mr Sankey said it had an impact on the group.

“With the playing group, we’ve known since the start of the year we’ve got a good enough group (to play finals),” he said.

“There was an element of being defeated before even starting, there was some of that, but as the season progressed they settled into just enjoying and playing footy.

“We’ve got a good group going forward, the guys have gelled together again.”

Willaston’s biggest downfall on the field has been the lack of ruckman, with undersized Scott Blundell forced to fill the void.

“We’ve certainly been in contact with a few people (for next season), but no decisions have been made yet,” Mr Sankey said.

“A ruckman is definitely something that’s a main priority.

“We’re also looking at key position players.”