Ex-Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney to leave North Ballarat

Ex-Western Bulldogs mentor Brendan McCartney is eyeing his next coaching move, exploring “full-time options”, as he prepares for one last flag push with his current club.

Former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney is on the lookout for his next coaching role.

He has become the latest big name to enter the coaching market after announcing he would leave country footy powerhouse North Ballarat at the end of the season.

McCartney has overseen the Roosters Ballarat Football League senior men’s team for the past four seasons with varying levels of success.

It’s now expected he will seek employment beyond local footy.

“We have always known that a coach of Macca’s calibre would have opportunities beyond North Ballarat and, while we are sad to lose him, we are very supportive of him exploring full- time options to coach at a higher level,” North Ballarat president Richard Start said.

McCartney, who informed the playing group of his decision on Thursday night, led the club to the grand final last season where the Roosters were beaten by Darley in a thriller.

North Ballarat currently sit in fifth position on the ladder with two games left to play.

“Many thanks to the North Ballarat Football and Netball Club for having me as their senior coach over the last four years,” McCartney said in a statement.

“ It’s been a great journey, and we will take away many new friends and fond memories. The club is in good hands and will continue to flourish as it has for a long time in the Ballarat community.”

Start said one of the standout features of McCartney’s time in charge was handing out 42 senior debut with 30 of those players having come through the club’s junior system.

“That’s a record we are very proud of and will be part of Macca’s legacy - the development of our young players and giving them the opportunity to play senior football,” Mr Start said.

It has been a busy week for McCartney after he led Geelong school Western Heights College in the Herald Sun Shield intermediate boys grand final.

Unfortunately the school’s first appearance in the decider ended in defeat to APS powerhouse St Kevin’s.