Jake Sharp appointed Ovens & Murray representative coach

The O&M’s search for a new interleague coach has ended. See who has taken on the job done by Damian Sexton for last three years.

Myrtleford’s Jake Sharp will take over as the Ovens & Murray’s interleague coach this year as he prepares to launch another comeback as a player for his home club.

After playing at VFL level with Werribee, Sharp was coach of Myrtleford from 2019 to 2022.

The 30-year-old played 20 matches in his return season, leading from the front as Myrtleford reached the preliminary final, losing to eventual premier Lavington.

But subsequent years have been tumultuous for Sharp and Myrtleford with the Covid disruptions of 2020-21 and serious knee injuries.

Jake Sharp, left, coached Myrtleford between 2019 and 2022. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Sharp didn’t play last year and was part of outgoing O&M coach Damian Sexton’s coaching panel.

Sexton has been O&M coach since 2022 with Sharp named his replacement.

“It’s not everyday you get to work with the best of the best and our league has definitely got that,” Sharp said.

“It’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

Sharp’s younger brothers Ryley and Brady are also returning from lengthy injury disruptions this year.

“It’s good for me personally and mentally to stay involved and engaged,” he said.

“Like every club at this time of the year, you’re happy with your list.

“But we’ve invested heavily into our local players the last year few years under (new coach Craig Millar).”

Recent precedents of O&M players also coaching the interleague team are Lavington’s Matt Pendergast and Wangaratta Rovers’ Peter Tossol.

The O&M will play Goulburn Valley for the fourth successive year in the absence of a statewide interleague competition with GV the present holders of the Ash-Wilson Trophy.

Wangaratta Rovers will host the May 24 fixture.

“Jake was a valuable assistant to Damian Sexton for last year’s fixture and combined with his impressive resume from his time with Werribee in the VFL, and also his previous coaching experience with Myrtleford, he was a standout choice,” O&M chairman David Sinclair said.

The GV is yet to confirm its interleague coach for this year.

Originally published as Jake Sharp appointed Ovens & Murray representative coach