Payneham Norwood Union coach Jace Bode parts ways with Adelaide Footy League club

A division one coach – who led his team to the grand final only a fortnight ago – has revealed why he is stepping away from the Adelaide Footy League club.

Grand final coach Jace Bode will not go on at Payneham Norwood Union after turning down a new contract at the division one Adelaide Footy League club.

The three-time SANFL premiership player revealed to The Messenger he could not commit to coaching the Falcons in 2022 due to family and work.

It comes after PNU made the top flight grand final a fortnight ago before falling to premier Prince Alfred Old Collegians in Bode’s second season in charge at the club.

Bode, who took as a playing coach over from the legendary Gary McIntosh, said the club made him an offer mid-season to continue.

Payneham Norwood Union coach, Jace Bode will not go on at the Falcons next season. Picture: Matt Loxton

“I had an opportunity to remain as coach and they wanted a decision over the weekend – which is absolutely fair – but at this point in time I couldn’t give an answer whether it was in my family’s best interests to go around again next year,” said Bode, who works as a player development manager with the SA Cricket Association.

“I’ve started a role in high-performance sport that takes a considerable amount of time, I’ve got three kids under five and Nat (his wife) goes back to work next year.

“We don’t know what it’s going to look like.

“That coupled with Payneham wanting an answer at this point in time meant I couldn’t honestly say it was in our best interest to do it again next year.

“So it was better off for me to call it and everyone can move from there.”

Payneham finished seventh in Bode’s first season in charge before surging to second place and a grand final appearance this campaign.

Jace Bode, (second right), pictured with captain Jonathan Giannini, (second left) and players Brett Ancell (left), and Anthony Giannini. Picture: Dean Martin

The former Redlegs captain said he was disappointed to leave the club but was proud to have overseen the club’s progression from its senior side down to the C grade.

But he did not rule out a return to coaching in the future.

“It’s scary because I don’t have anything footy related, it’s not like I’m walking into another job or another opportunity,” Bode said.

“It could be a month, could be a week, could be never.

“Like when I finished up at Norwood, I didn’t know what was going to transpire and what transpired was an opportunity to coach at one of the biggest clubs outside of the SANFL.

“It’s a club full of fantastic people and a great place.”

PNU’s Liam Davis gets a handball away during the Falcons’ grand final defeat to PAOC earlier this month. Picture: Brenton Edwards

PNU president Tyson Burrows said the club respected Bode’s decision and praised him for his efforts the past two years.

“Jace just couldn’t commit just yet and didn’t know when he would be able to,” Burrows said.

“We spoke as a committee and decided we didn’t want to be left in the lurch later in the year or early next year without a coach.

“We wish Jace all the best with what comes next … he’s done a great job at the footy club.”

Payneham will not be the only division one club searching for a new coach ahead of next season.

Adelaide University announced this month Ben Watkins would not go on after three years at the Blacks, who will be relegated to division two for 2022.

Port District has also been searching for a replacement for coach Simon Maddern, while Unley Mercedes signed former Adelaide Crow Scott Thompson to replace the outgoing Adam Jeffries.