Simon MacGregor named AFL Community Coach of Year after kickstarting Lower Clarence Suns success

In two short years the Lower Clarence Suns clawed their way back from “dead last” to fifth on the ladder for under 12s - among other success stories. One reason is coach Simon MacGregor.

Simon MacGregor, AFL coach for the Lower Clarence Suns at Yamba, says the club couldn’t have achieved its quick success with out the support of the Australian Football League.

Sea changer and AFL volunteer coach Simon MacGregor has been named Australian Football League (AFL) NSW/ACT’s Community Coach of the Year.

After moving up from Torquay to Wooloweyah near Yamba in the Clarence three years ago, MacGregor was inspired by his son’s passion for AFL - it didn’t take him too long to get involved himself.

Not only has he coached the Lower Clarence Suns, he was fundamental in reinstating and growing the club over the last two years.

MacGregor said he was “surprised and shocked” at the “unexpected” recognition.

However, others who have seen the Suns’ significant success may be less surprised than the modest coach. An Auskick program started for children aged 4-8 expanded to include under-10s, under-12s and under-14 teams..

Kalindi Campbell is representing the Yamba Lower Clarence Suns at state and national levels.

Running with an ethos of having fun and just getting involved has been paying off for MacGregor and the Suns, with players such as Oscar Churton - who won best and fairest for the league - and Kalindi Campbell excelling and representing at state and national levels.

“Within a short time we’ve been able to get excellent talent up and running”, MacGregor said

The program aims to develop foundational AFL skills and has resulted in a rise in participation, including Indigenous children and girls generally.

“Girls is probably one of the biggest growth factors in AFL right across the country - so much so in some parts of the country they’re having really hard issues in in offering even grounds to service the full uptake ... ,” MacGregor said.

“For us with our girls, with probably we’re about at a half-half mix, with girls participation.

“Next year, we want to try and establish under-15 girls team to compete in the North Coast League for the area,” he said.

The AFL has helped the club with guidance and support through AFL North Coast and the sponsorship of a talented Indigenous player.