Darley extend Jordan’s contract as Merrett leaves East Point

The coaching merry-go-round has continued in the Ballarat Football League as clubs start to prepare for 2024. Here are the latest moves.

There was no doubt for Darley Football Club to keep their coach around for another couple of seasons.

The Devils have re-signed Dan Jordan until the end of the 2025 season.

Under Jordan, Darley has transformed from cellar dwellers to premiership contenders, finishing fourth last season and being on track for a top three finish in 2023.

The team has won 21 of their 30 games in the past two seasons under Jordan.

“We are thrilled to have DJ continue leading our team,” Darley president Mark Shelly said.

“Our committee and football department were in unanimous agreement to extend Dan’s tenure as senior coach to the end of a fourth season.”

Jordan said the platform has been set to win Darley’s first premiership since 2017 and the goal was now to achieve that in his next contract.

Darley coach Dan Jordan is staying at the Devils. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I am honoured and excited that the club has shown faith in appointing me for the next two years,” he said.

“I feel as a whole club we are establishing a great platform to build sustained success and I, the coaching group, board, playing group, members and supporters are motivated to return the Devils to the top tier of the competition across all grades.”

Jordan becomes the first Ballarat league coach to be locked in for 2024.

Jackson Merrett, playing for Essendon a couple of years ago, will not coach East Point in 2024. Picture: Michael Klein

Rival club East Point it will be looking for a new coach after former Essendon player Jackson Merrett decided to stop coaching at the end of the year.

His commitments away from the game will prevent him from coaching in the future.

East Point, under Merrett, is on track to play finals.

“Jackson has informed (us) of his resignation due to family, work and study commitments,” East Point president Gary Wilson said.

“He has been a great addition to the club, bringing a depth of experience and contribution on and off the field.

“His time and effort over the past two seasons has been significant and in particular his attention to our younger playing group has been notable.

“We wish to see Jackson as a part of our ongoing playing group and as a club we are committed to continue to build for the future of our success.”

East Point joins Melton South on the hunt for a new coach in 2024 after this year’s coach Jason Hamilton left a couple of months ago.