All the new coaches in metro Melbourne’s local football leagues

Ex-AFL guns, VFL stars and community legends are among the local footy’s new coaches in 2024. Here we track each new coaching appointment in the off-season.

There have been plenty of changes in the local footy coaching ranks already this off-season.

From ex-AFL coaches and players to local legends moving onto their next challenge, there has been some serious movement.

Here, we track, every new coach from across Melbourne ahead of the 2024 season.

EASTERN

PREMIER

Blackburn — Anthony Fagan

The 34-year-old replaces Brendan Allen at the helm, who exited the role in September after six years.

Fagan carved out more than 100 senior appearances for the Burners across a decade, tying for the best and fairest in 2012 after landing at the club from Geelong Amateur in 2011.

Norwood — Brett Moyle

Two-time premiership mentor Brett Moyle is back in the Eastern league’s top-flight – this time as senior coach of Norwood.

The 43-year-old succeeds Marty Pask who stood down from his post of five years at the end of the season.

Moyle coached Wantirna South in 2023.

Brett Moyle at North Ringwood. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Park Orchards — Paris Harvie

Succeeding Dennis Armfield in the role, Harvie brings senior coaching experience across multiple clubs including Doncaster East, Mooroolbark and most recently North Ringwood.

But it was his stint at South Croydon during the 2000s which took the club to the top division with flags in 2006 (Division 3) and 2009 (Division 2), alongside a grand final appearance in ‘07.

Park Orchards will compete in the league’s second tier in 2024 after suffering relegation from the top division.

South Croydon — Brendan Allen

Former Blackburn mentor Brendan Allen has returned to the coaching arena following his shock exit from Morton Park in September – this time to lead South Croydon.

DIVISION 1

Croydon — Rhett Jordan

Croydon has turned to a Norwood premiership hero as its next senior coach.

Rhett Jordon will lead the Blues in 2024, after calling time at the Norsemen where he won a premiership in the league’s top division in 2014.

Jordon, who captained Norwood in a career spanning a decade and some 150 games at the club, takes over from outgoing coach Morris D’Alessandro, who stood down after six years in charge.

Jordon also brings previous experience as a player with Northern league power West Preston-Lakeside and VFL club Coburg.

South Belgrave — Heath Black

Dual premiership coach Luke Galliott’s stint has come to an end.

Galliott called time on his tenure ahead of the finals, taking the Saints to another grand final this season.

But the club has locked in its replacement, with former AFL Docker and Saint Heath Black to call the shots for the next two years.

Black has wasted no time in bolstering his side with a rafter of recruits.

Heath Black coached Mooroolbark in 2018. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Wantirna South — Jason Heffernan

A returning favourite son will steer Wantirna South in its bid to climb the Eastern league Division 1 ladder next season.

Jason Heffernan will coach the club in 2024 after calling time on his seven-season stint at the helm of Southern league outfit St Paul’s McKinnon.

He replaces Brett Moyle as coach.

DIVISION 2

East Burwood — Justin Whitcher

East Burwood has welcomed back a dual premiership player as its next senior coach.

Justin Whitcher will lead the Rams in 2024, returning to the club where he won top-division premierships in 1999 and 2000.

He makes the move back to the Eastern league after serving the past two seasons as coach of Old Paradians in the VAFA’s Division 2, among a host of assistant roles in the Northern league in the years prior.

Whitcher succeeds David Jensen in the role, who exited the club during the 2023 season.

Templestowe — Nick Batsanis

Nick Batsanis has won the full-time coaching role at Templestowe for 2024.

The Dockers parted ways with senior coach Anthony McGregor just weeks out from the Division 2 finals this year, with midfielder Batsanis immediately stepping into a playing-coaching role on an interim basis.

Batsanis took the club to a prelim final this season.

Waverley Blues — Scott Savage

The Waverley Blues have looked to a great as their next senior coach, with Scott Savage taking the reins.

Savage served as senior assistant under outgoing coach Tom Langford in three of his four seasons in charge, and featured in the club’s 2000 and ‘05 flags, winning best-and-fairests in 1999 and 2004.

DIVISION 3

Coldstream — Jarrod Bayliss

Bayliss is fresh off coaching back-to-back flags with Outer East club Powelltown, after also leading Park Orchards to a Division 3 crown in 2017.

He succeeds Chad Rogers, a flag coach with Upper Gully in 2016 who led the Cougars to three of a possible four finals series, helping them into Division 3 following an undefeated campaign in 2021.

Jarrod Bayliss during his Park Orchards stay. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Silvan — Jeremy Thomas

Silvan has locked in a former long-serving club president as its new coach.

Ex-Park Orchards president Jeremy Thomas will steer the Cats in 2024, succeeding flag mentor Trent Martin, who stepped down at the end of the season.

DIVISION 4

Forest Hill — Brad Tuite

The former club captain etched almost 300 senior games for the Zebras in a playing career taking in a best and fairest in 1996. He was twice named in Forest Hill’s Team of the Decade (1987-1996 and 1997-2006, the latter as vice-captain), playing in a reserve-grade premiership in 2005.

He also coached the under-18s and reserves to premierships in 2006 and 2009 respectively.

Tuite also played for Springvale in the VFL and Eastern club Heathmont, where he won a premiership in 2004.

He takes over from outgoing Forest Hill coach Justin Scicluna.

ESSENDON DISTRICT

PREMIER DIVISION

Pascoe Vale — Leigh Tudor

The former VFL coach has been brought in to replace Digby Morrell. And his arrival has already seen several big name recruits arrive at the club. Expect the Panthers to be there abouts again in 2024.

Leigh Tudor brings VFL experience to Pascoe Vale. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Strathmore — Nick Ash

The 2019 Rupertswood premiership coach steps up to the top job after being an assistant for the last three seasons. He replaces Marty Allison who was let go despite reaching the grand final.

Airport West — Brent Taylor

Taylor, a former under-18 coach with the Eagles, steps into the top job replacing Trent Rogers. And he’s already got some exciting players joining him.

Avondale Heights — Paddy Byrne

Byrne returns to Heights on a two-year deal just a year after stepping away due to surgery. He said he had been appointed to oversee the entire club’s structure.

Deer Park - Jamie Madigan

The club legend has signed on for the next two seasons as Deer Park embarks on its first Premier Division season. It will be his second stint as senior coach after leading the club from 2008-10.

DIVISION 1

Maribyrnong Park — Brodie Holland

Holland returns to the Lions for a second stint after guiding VFL outfit, the Northern Bullants, in 2023. He said he is aiming to get the club back to “where it belongs”.

Brodie Holland. Picture: Ian Currie

West Coburg — Daniel Barnes

Barnes steps up to replace Dale May on a two-year deal after previously serving as an assistant coach.

Rupertswood — Brad Fox

A former AFL player with Essendon and Richmond, Fox joins the club from Gisborne.

Hillside — Chris Daley

Formerly the assistant coach, Daley will step up to take on the senior coaching role. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the EDFL.

Roxburgh Park — Ross Terranova

After Michael Farrelly made the decision to step away, the Magpies turned to former Glenroy mentor Terranova.

Keilor Park - Leigh Coles

Leigh Coles was appointed as the Devils' new coach after it was confirmed Paul Guicas was standing down.

DIVISION 2

Coburg Districts — Charlie Denaro

Denaro is a familiar name around the EDFL having spent seven years between Hillside (his most recent club) and Moonee Valley. He replaces Tom Gleeson who has joined Avondale Heights as an assistant.

Hadfield — Ange Lamanna

Lamanna is the Hawks’ replacement for Brett Pitts as the club aims to put a tough 2023 season behind it. He will be Hadfield’s 25th senior coach.

East Sunbury — Travis Bishop

A familiar face at the Thunder, Bishop is hoping to continue East Sunbury’s rebuild after it returned to the field in 2023.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

DIVISION 1

Mt Eliza — Rikki Johnston

The Redlegs have appointed former Dromana premiership hero Rikki Johnston. He coached Dromana from 2016-19, leading the Tigers to two MPNFL premierships (Division 2 in 2018 and Division 1 in 2019) and was named MPNFL coach of the year in 2019. Johnston is a Level 3 qualified coach and was a senior assistant at Frankston VFL from 2021-23.

Rikki Johnston (left) talks with his Dromana players in 2017. Picture: David Crosling

Langwarrin — Jarred Moore (joins Josh Beard as co-coach)

Former Sydney Swan Jarred Moore returned to Langwarrin in 2022 as midfield coach after nine seasons’ coaching experience within the AFL system. He steps up to share Langy’s top job with experienced premiership coach Josh Beard.

DIVISION 2

Crib Point — Duane Annable

Annable knows a thing or two about getting the best out of Crib Point. The 45-year-old has had two previous stints as senior coach at the Mornington Peninsula league Division 2 club, with success. In fact, the past two times Crib Point made finals was when Annable was in charge — in 2004 and 2014. He’s hoping the trend continues in 2024. Annable has been appointed for the next three years.

Seaford — Rohan Bleeker

A five-week process led to Seaford appointing Rohan Bleeker as its senior coach.

The 32-year-old school teacher wants to form strong relationships as he sets about “growing” the Tigers. Bleeker played in Dromana’s 2018 and ‘19 premierships and last season was a defensive coach at Frankston in the VFL.

Rye — Brendon Moore

He refers to it as a “blank canvas’’. And the possibilities excite him. The Rye rebuild will be guided by former Essendon player, Frankston VFL and Pines star Brendon Moore, who was appointed Demons coach. Rye is coming off a winless 2023 season, but Moore is ready to get to work. Moore coached Southern league Division 1 club Mordialloc for the past three seasons.

Edithvale-Aspendale — Kris Pendlebury

Advice from his famous brother convinced him to do it...

Kris Pendlebury, older brother of Collingwood champion Scott, was locked in as head coach of the Eagles in September. He will be Eagles’ playing-coach for the next two seasons. It will be his first senior coaching gig after experience as an assistant coach, both at Balwyn and in the VFL with Northern Bullants this year.

Kris Pendlebury in Edi-Asp colours.

NORTHERN

DIVISION 1

Bundoora – Heath Scotland

Former Carlton and Collingwood player Heath Scotland has been unveiled as the club’s new senior coach for the 2024 season.

Scotland replaces Michael Ryan after four years in charge at Yulong Reserve, guiding the Bulls to back-to-back NFNL Division 1 grand finals.

In 2023, Scotland guided Deer Park to the EDFL Division 1 premiership during the Lions’ first season in the competition after making the move from the WRFL.

Heath Scotland is fresh off a flag with Deer Park. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Montmorency – Nick Rutley

Montmorency’s new coach comes with an impressive resume.

Nick Rutley will lead the NFNL Division 1 power in 2024, stepping into the Magpies’ top job after serving as assistant coach at VFL power Williamstown this season.

The experienced mentor was an assistant in Carlton’s AFLW program, serving as head coach for two games in 2018, and North Melbourne before coaching Eastern league club Heathmont for two years.

He guided Wandin to an Outer East league premiership and has also worked at Calder Cannons, Eastern Ranges, Dandenong Stingrays, Casey Demons and Box Hill.

Rutley takes the reins at Montmorency Park from Jono Manzoney.

Greensborough – Matthew Hyde

Greensborough has appointed 2014 premiership captain Matthew Hyde as its senior coach for the 2024 campaign.

Hyde replaces Saad Ghazi, who believes the club’s list is primed for a future NFNL Division 1 premiership tilt.

The widely-respected mentor is handing over the magnet board after two seasons in charge at War Memorial Oval.

A favourite son is set to steer the Borough with hopes to achieve what he did a decade ago. Picture: Mark Dadswell

DIVISION 2

Whittlesea – Garry Ramsay

Garry Ramsay will take the reins at Whittlesea Showgrounds next season.

The former Panton Hill, Watsonia, Lower Plenty, Macleod, Montmorency and NFNL representative coach stepped away from the game this year but will return to guide the Eagles as they step back to NFNL Division 2 next season.

He takes the reigns from Wayne van der Ross who stepped down in July.

Garry Ramsay during his time at Montmorency. Picture: Hamish Blair

DIVISION 3

Heidelberg West — Dale Mayne

The Hawks have appointed first-time senior coach Dale Mayne to replace Michael Missen next NFNL Division 3 season.

Mayne arrives at Heidelberg Park after an extensive background in junior coaching at Banyule but also has senior assistant and reserve grade coaching experience at Montmorency.

He has also coached the Yarra Juniors Colts Team of the Year interleague side.

RIDDELL DISTRICT

Riddell — Arron Bray

Riddell’s arsenal of elite talent has new coach Arron Bray excited by the possibilities.

The Bombers lured the respected mentor across from old rival Rupertswood for 2024 after taking the Sharks to an EDFL Division 1 preliminary final this season.

Bray returns to the RDFNL having previously coached Broadford to consecutive preliminary finals, losing in 2016 to Riddell.

He also coached the Riddell District interleague side to back-to-back victories over West Gippsland and Central Highlands.

After crashing out in the elimination final this season, the Bombers will be looking to return to the top under Bray.

OUTER EAST

PREMIER

Narre Warren — Steven Kidd

He is Narre Warren from top to toe. Steven Kidd grew up playing junior and senior football with the Magpies and has experienced some of the happiest moments of his life in black and white. Now, at 46, he will fulfil a long-held ambition to be the club’s senior coach.

Gembrook Cockatoo — Michael Firrito

The ex-AFL Kangaroo says he will take bits from his previous coaches and add his own style as he launches his senior coaching career at the club he grew up at — his mum and dad still live next door to the Brookers oval. He will be a non-playing coach.

Michael Firrito. Picture:Wayne Ludbey

Woori Yallock — Brendan Donovan

The premiership coach from Olinda Ferny Creek will return to Woori Yallock, where he spent his playing days, to replace the outgoing Jack Cole as senior coach. Donovan spent seven years in Olinda Ferny Creek’s top job, overseeing an early flag before a string of development-driven seasons.

Pakenham — Paul Carbis

Paul Carbis believes Pakenham is bursting with potential. The 54-year-old is one of the most experienced coaches in local football. He’s been a senior coach at a raft of clubs including Nunawading, North Ringwood, Chelsea, Leongatha and Garfield. He also boasts vast VFL coaching experience, as senior assistant at Frankston and development league coach at Coburg and Casey.

DIVISION 1

Broadford — Alwin Neilson

A life member, past champion with 264 senior games and vice-captain of Broadfor’s last premiership, Alwin’s involvement in community football spans across most of his lifetime as either a player, coach, committee member or parent. Alwin is highly respected, genuine and with proven ability to get the best out of his players and those around him.

SOUTHERN

DIVISION 1

Cheltenham — Justin Pickering

Pickering takes the reins from Des Ryan, who steered the Rosellas to their drought-breaking flag this season.

He doesn’t want to disrupt the Rosellas’ flow and will focus on relationship building with his young group.

New Cheltenham coach Justin Pickering. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mordialloc – Ben McGee

McGee joins Mordialloc in a changing of the guard.The Bloodhounds will have a new look in season 2024 as it looks to improve on a disappointing 2023.McGee replaces the Brendon Moore.

St Paul’s McKinnon – Andy Scott

Scott replaces Jason Heffernan, who has left the Kennel to coach former club Wantirna South.

Scott crosses from Rowville where he assisted Ben Wise on the Hawks’ way to the EFNL Premier title.

DIVISION 2

St Kilda City – Jason Hamilton

The Saints have welcomed back an ex-St Kilda City star to coach in 2024.

Hamilton has coached in multiple senior roles before and is ready to take on the top job at the rebuilding City.

Murrumbeena – Michael Kinsella

Michael Kinsella has stepped into the top role at Beena and has had an immediate effect.

A raft of recruits has the Lions primed to snap its losing grand final streak.

Doveton – Matt Stapleton

Stapleton steps up from the director of footy role to replace Michael Cardamone.

Stapleton was a premiership hero at the Doves in 2019 before finishing his career as a player this season.

Matthew Stapleton took Doveton to grand final-glory with an iconic goal. Picture: David Crosling

DIVISION 3

Black Rock – Ryan Hoy

Ryan out, Ryan in.

Ryan Hoy takes over from premiership-winning coach Ryan Handley in 2024 and has brought along a selection of new players.

Frankston Dolphins – Taylor Stratton

Stratton crosses from Hastings to replace Rich Mathers at the Dolphins in 2024.

Mathers has moved to Western Australia for work commitments.

Stratton, in his second go as a senior coach, played his junior footy at the Dolphins and is eager to bring the club its maiden flag.

Lyndhurst – Andy Clarke

Andy Clarke has wasted no time in his new position at the Lightning, bringing in seven ready-made recruits.

Along with retaining most of the list, Clarke has ambitions to take Lyndhurst back to its 2022 feats.

DIVISION 4

Moorabbin Kangaroos – Richard Houston

The ex-St Kilda City president joins the Roos in pursuit of a “fresh start”.

He has brought along local footy champion Paul ‘Chewy’ Scanlon in an attempt to propel the Roos out of Division 4.

Richard Houston. Picture : George Sal

Hampton – Shannon Grant

The 1999 Norm Smith Medallist steps into Jamie Marshall’s old role as coach after a year as director of coaching.

He has ambitions to continue the club’s trajectory after a difficult number of years around Covid.

Lyndale – Brendon Groenendyk

Groenedyk steps up as a playing-coach after a brilliant individual year with the Pumas.

He’s on a mission to improve Lyndale’s image and is hoping to do so first and foremost with the training standards they set this pre-season.

VAFA

PREMIER

Old Xaverians – Dan Donati

Donati crosses to Old Xaverians after just one season at rival Old Brighton.

Prior to his stint at Mair St, Donati coached Barwon Heads and Balwyn through extremely successful periods.

Dan Donati. Picture: Mark Wilson

PREMIER C

Hampton Rovers – Marty Pask

Having spent so much time in the Eastern league’s top flight, new Hampton Rovers coach Marty Pask plans to take his new VAFA side to a similar echelon.

Unveiled as the Rovers next coach at the weekend, Pask, 38, is excited by the new challenge of steering the VAFA Premier C division club.

From initial observations, he sees an abundance of talent, an appetite for setting standards, but ultimately, a group capable of propelling into higher-level footy.

DIVISION 1

Kew — Jack Cole

Kew has unveiled long-time coach Jack Cole as its next mentor.

Cole coached Woori Yallock to a grand final in 2022 and a preliminary final in 2023.

Cole is well-renowned for getting every piece of potential out of each of his players.

He takes over from Ian Aitken.

Jack Cole. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Bernie Dinneen was a star player.

Marcellin Old Collegians — Bernie Dinneen

A familiar name at Marcellin Old Collegians, Bernie Dinneen is returning to the club to coach the senior side.

As a player, he won three best-and-fairests in five years and three premierships before moving to Vermont where he would go on to win the prestigious Chandler Medal.

Dinneen most recently coached at Old Trinity but was the Director of Football at Vermont this season.

DIVISION 3

Canterbury — Michael Topp

The gun Premier Cricketer will be busy all-year round now after taking the reins of the Cobras.

Canterbury won its first final but lost the preliminary to eventual premiers Elsternwick.

WESTERN REGION

DIVISION 1

Altona — Travis Varcoe

The former AFL star has taken over from Corey McCall for the 2024 season. He played for WRFL rivals Yarraville Seddon this season. The club said a key to his appointment was furthering the development of a young group.

Ex-AFL Cat and Magpie Travis Varcoe will coach Altona in 2024. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Hoppers Crossing — Jared Polec

The three-club AFL veteran takes on a senior coaching role for the first time. He replaces Adam Contessa.

DIVISION 2

Albanvale — Ange Messina

Messina returns to the Cobras, where he started his coaching journey as the club’s reserves mentor in 2015. He has served at several other WRFL clubs since.

Newport - Rodney van Riet

The local footy star has signed a three-year deal as the senior coach of the Panthers. During his playing career, he was a seven-time premiership player.

Sunshine Heights - Stephen O’Malley

O'Malley arrives at the club after recently coaching Anakie's reserves in the Geelong and District league. He replaces Colby Blyth.

North Sunshine — Darren Boyall

Arrives as the man to replace Max De Groot after previous experience with the Northern Saints in the EDFL.

Tarneit Titans — Vinnie Turcinovich

Turcinovich joins the Titans after a year at St Kilda City. He begun the year as a senior assistant, but after the resignation of Simon Goosey, he was the Saints’ interim coach.