EDFL 2019: Coach Michael Farrelly re-signs at Roxburgh Park

Roxburgh Park premiership coach Michael Farrelly has recommitted for the next two years and revealed his ambitions for the EDFL Division 1 club.

Roxburgh Park coach Michael Farrelly has committed until the end of 2021. Picture: Jamie Morey

Roxburgh Park premiership coach Michael Farrelly has declared “it’s only upwards from here” after putting pen to paper on a two-year contract extension with the EDFL Division 1 club.

Farrelly led the Magpies to the Division 2 flag in his first season at the helm and the club is set to avoid relegation after exceeding expectations by claiming three wins in the second tier in 2019.

Farrelly said Roxburgh Park was planning to “recruit heavily” over the off-season in a bid to establish itself in Division 1.

“If we don’t get any finals appearances in the next 24 months, it would be disappointing,” Farrelly said.

“There’s no doubt we want to keep improving on and off field.”

Farrelly has made it clear the club needs to increase its capacity to attract the talent required to be a force in Division 1.

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“My passion and desire for the club was there,” he said.

“It was just a few boxes we needed to tick to make sure as a club we were moving forward and not falling stagnant.

“Things are getting into place and I look forward to seeing how it all tracks.”

After leading the Magpies to their maiden senior premiership and helping them prove the doubters wrong this season, Farrelly said it would have been difficult to end his stint as coach.

He said Roxburgh Park’s culture was in good shape and “it doesn’t feel like a club that has lost as many games as we have”.

The Magpies were on the receiving end of a 185-point loss to East Keilor in Round 2 and a 113-point defeat to Craigieburn in Round 5, but they have since improved significantly.

Skipper Harley Short, recruit Jay Barbera, Jack Elliott and Ryan Micallef have enjoyed impressive seasons.

“It’s always tough to walk away from anywhere when you form bonds and friendships,” Farrelly said.

“It’s a pretty special group and I think over the last 18-24 months we’ve been able to get the best out of most people there, which is fantastic.

“There’s still a lot of work to do to become a proper Division 1 club. I don’t think the boys are under any illusions now — they see the expectations and the standard (required).

“The club, on and off field, has slowly adapted and seen how much work really needs to take place to get to the next level.”

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