The senior coaching jobs up for grabs in 2021 at community football clubs across SA
Many suburban and country football clubs are already searching for new coaches for 2021 as their shortened 2020 campaigns come to an end. Here are all the vacancies, all in one place.
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Competition for coaching positions in the community football ranks is hotter than ever.
Several credentialed coaches are chasing gigs after falling out of the AFL system due to ‘soft-cap’ cuts brought on by COVID-19, while others from the SANFL ranks have also been left without jobs.
Here are all the available senior roles across SA:
ADELAIDE FOOTY LEAGUE
CENTRAL UNITED
The division seven side is searching for a new men's A grade coach to lead it into 2021.
United ended this season bottom with a 1-9 record.
The new coach will take over the role from ex-mentor Alan Harvey.
According to a club statement, the successful applicant must “provide regular player feedback, deliver strong communication skills on and off the field and assess and identify recruits to build the current playing list”.
The club is also seeking a senior men’s B grade coach and a football director.
Interested parties can email nathan_fenwick@ymail.com
PORTLAND
A lack of players led to Portland pulling the pin on the COVID-affected division three season.
The club failed to retain enough players to put two senior sides on the field following the COVID-19 shutdown.
But it has vowed to return in 2021 and is now looking for a new senior coach.
The Thunder has advertised for a A grade, B grade and under-18s men’s coaches for next season.
Those who wish to apply can email portlandfootballclub@outlook.com
FLINDERS UNIVERSITY
The Crabs announced on their Facebook page last week they had “decided to take a new coaching direction for 2021 and beyond”.
The club thanked outgoing mentor Dareen Vestris who had led the A-grade side for the past two seasons.
Flinders University ended this shortened campaign fourth on the division seven ladder with a 4-6 record and a preliminary final appearance.
For more information, email flindersuniversityfc@gmail.com
LOCKLEYS
The Demons enjoyed their most successful campaign after winning the division five, fifth tier reserves and C grade flags.
And despite mentor Stephen Zweck helping the A grade break a 27-year premiership drought, Lockleys is advertising for a new coach.
On the club’s Facebook page, it states “the executive committee has decided to reopen applications for all senior men’s coaching positions”, which includes the A, B, C, and D grade teams.
Applications for the roles can be emailed to lockleys@saaflclubs.com.au
UNLEY
Ex-Jets coach Kane Stewart decided to step down last month following three years as the club’s A grade senior coach.
Stewart led the side to two finals appearances, including the 2019 flag decider and helped it be promoted to division one this season.
Expressions of interest, including contact details and previous experience, can be emailed to coaching@unleyjets.com.au
WOODVILLE SOUTH
The Cats are searching for an A grade coach to lead its division four side into 2021 as well as a new reserves and C grade mentor.
During his time at the helm, former A grade coach Adam Clifford helped the side move from division six to the fourth tier.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the club said Clifford had given it “stability” and a great platform to succeed in the future”.
He will take a step back and move into the role of coaching director.
Applications can be directed to football director Peter Johnson at woodvillesouthfootballclub@mail.tidyhq.com
ADELAIDE PLAINS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
VIRGINIA FOOTBALL CLUB
The Rams have cast the net open for a senior A grade football coach with Denis Eaton opting not to continue in the role in 2021.
On the club’s Facebook page, a statement said Eaton “stepped up” when the side needed a coach and took the side from sixth on the ladder in 2019 to this season’s grand final.
Virginia is also on the hunt for a B grade footy coach and is encouraging ‘non playing and playing’ coaches to apply for the roles.
If interested, email vfcpresident@gmail.com
BAROSSA LIGHT AND GAWLER FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
BAROSSA DISTRICTS
Shayne Stevens advised the Bulldogs last month that he would not be continuing as the side’s senior men’s A grade coach in 2021.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Barossa Districts thanked Steves for his “hard work, dedication and commitment” in coaching the side during a difficult season amid the COVID-19 shutdown.
The Bulldogs last claimed a flag in 2017 and would be hoping to snatch another next season.
To apply, email Adam Grovermann at president@barossadistrictfootball.com.au
HILLS FOOTBALL LEAGUE
KERSBROOK
Next season will mark a milestone for Kersbrook as the club celebrates its 100th anniversary.
The Brookers, which compete in the HFL’s division two, ended this season sixth with a 3-5 record.
They are looking for an A grade coach to help lift them back into finals contention.
Kersbrook is seeking applications for a B grade coach, while it is also hoping to re-establish a C grade team and will need a mentor for that side.
Applications can be emailed to matt.coad@austec-automation.com.au
MALLEE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LAMEROO HAWKS
The proud club did not have a season this year as the Mallee Football League cancelled its 2020 campaign due to COVID-19.
The league comprises of one Victorian club and decided not to go ahead with its 2020 season due to coronavirus and the state border closure.
But it is hoped the competition will kick off again in 2021 and the Lameroo Hawks are on the look out for an A grade men’s coach.
The Hawks will hope their new coach can lead them to their first flag since 2015.
To apply, get in touch with club president Stephen Kerley on 0417 890 159 or email sjkerley@bigpond.com
NORTHERN AREAS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
CRYSTAL BROOK
Crystal Brook is the most successful club in the Northern Areas Football Association, having claimed 23 flags — the most of any in the competition.
But it is searching for a new senior coach to lead it into 2021, having last won a flag in 2018.
The side finished second-to-last with a 2-6 record this past season and would be hoping to return to finals action in 2021.
The Roosters are also on the look out for a reserves, senior colts junior colts and mini colts coach.
For more information contact Ian Lambert on 0428 834 130
SANFL
CENTRAL DISTRICT
The Bulldogs sacked coach Jeff Andrews after just one season into his three-year deal at Elizabeth.
They have, however, have denied favourite son Paul Thomas has taken over the role.
Central premiership skipper and favourite son Thomas had been tipped as Andrews’ successor after losing his job as an Adelaide Crows development coach during the season because of COVID-19 cuts and returning to the Bulldogs in an off-field capacity.
The axing of Andrews was a shock given Central’s strong finish to the season.
NORWOOD
Norwood will be on the look out for a new senior coach after announcing on Monday night the club and Jarrod Cotton had “mutually agreed to part ways”.
Cotton had led the side since 2017 and in his time the team finished second in 2018 and fourth in 2019 but missed the finals this season, ending 2020 in fifth.
In a statement on the Redlegs’ website, club president Paul Di Iulio thanked Cotton for his time.
“Jarrod has been an outstanding person for our football club over the last four seasons,” Di Iulio said.
“There is no question he gave his heart and soul to the club.
“We wish Jarrod and his family all the very best.”
STURT
The Double Blues parted ways with senior coach Nathan Grima earlier last month.
They opted not to renew Grima’s contract after two years in charge, despite the former North Melbourne and Essendon defender making an impassioned plea to keep the job.
Sturt president Jason Kilic said it had been a difficult decision not to extend Grima’s contract.
Grima, who took Sturt to fifth in his first season in charge last year, said he regrettably accepted the decision.
SPENCER GULF FOOTBALL LEAGUE
CENTRAL AUGUSTA
The Spencer Gulf Football League originally decided to can the 2020 season, citing a lack of volunteers and financial concerns.
But that decision was soon reversed and the seniors campaign kicked off on July 4.
Central Augusta is, however, looking for a new coach for next season.
The club finished fourth with a 3-5 record this shortened season and would be hoping to return to finals action in 2021.
Applications can be sent to president Steve Kuerschner on 0427 545 512.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
PORT NOARLUNGA
Clint Howes has decided to step away from coaching the Cockledivers next year, leaving the club to look for a new mentor.
The club had a tough year off the field after some Aboriginal players were subjected to sickening abuse by spectators during a match in August.
Port Noarlunga finished the campaign fifth with a 4-5 record and missed out on making the finals by one win.
The club said the successful applicant would “drive a high standard of professionalism to the football program on and off field, implement and execute a game plan and have open and clear communication with all players and coaching staff from all grades”.
To apply, email pnfcsports@gmail.com
RIVER MURRAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE
RAMBLER ROOSTERS
The Roosters have put out applications for a new senior coach for 2021.
The new mentor will replace Alex Button who was at the helm this season.
In addition to a senior mentor, the club is also searching for a reserves coach.
Applications can be sent to admin@ramblerfc.com.au
WESTERN BORDER FOOTBALL LEAGUE
NORTH GAMBIER FOOTBALL CLUB
North Gambier did not field a team this year after the Western Border Football League decided to cancel its 2020 season.
The competition is one of three SA associations with a Victorian club – Casterton-Sandford – and the decision to sit out 2020 was made when that club pulled out.
But the league is hopeful of returning in 2021 and North Gambier on the look out for a senior playing/coach for next season and beyond.
The club claimed last season’s premiership and will be opting to find a mentor to take it to a back-to-back flag.
Applications can be emailed through to ngfcsec@gmail.com
WHYALLA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
NORTH WHYALLA
The club ended the shortened 2020 campaign fourth before losing an elimination final against Central Whyalla by 44 points.
In a statement on its Facebook page, the club said its “young and exciting senior squad” was looing for its next senior coach to “develop and drive” players to success.
The Magpies are also seeking applications for a reserves mentor.
Those interested in coaching the 101-year-old club’s senior A grade side can email marshie4@gmail.com
ROOPENA FOOTBALL CLUB
It’s been 10 years since the Kangaroos won a senior flag and they have opened up applications for a new mentor in 2021.
The club finished second this season but bowed out of the finals in straight sets, losing to West Whyalla then going down against Central Whyalla by two points.
Roopena is also seeking applications for a B grade men’s under-18 and under-15 boys coach.
To apply, email roopena@internode.on.net