Adam Marcon reveals his plans as new coach of EDFL power Aberfeldie
New Aberfeldie coach Adam Marcon is looking forward to the challenge of leading the EDFL power and reveals why he believes he’s the right fit.
Essendon
Don't miss out on the headlines from Essendon. Followed categories will be added to My News.
New Aberfeldie coach Adam Marcon has one idea for 2022 – don’t change what ain’t broken.
That’s not to say he hasn’t got some big plans but why would you change anything when Abers have made the EDFL Premier Division grand final in each of the past five completed seasons.
After a decorated VFL career with Northern Bullants and Williamstown, Marcon takes the reins at Clifton Park from three-time premiership coach Adam Potter.
Marcon is excited by the challenge of his first senior coaching role and putting his mark on the premiership contender.
“It’s definitely not a case of changing a whole heap,” he said.
“It’s safe to say I’m nervous and it’s outside my comfort zone but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m really grateful to Adam and (president) Brett (Williamson) for the culture they’ve set throughout the club and the connection with the junior program and women’s program as well.
“I definitely have to pinch myself a little bit that I’ve landed at such a massive club.
“Obviously, having a few connections I was rapt to get the job and really excited about hopefully a full season of footy next year.”
While it is Marcon’s first coaching job, he will certainly be well supported.
Luke Blackwell, Andrew Clarke and Mario Lirosi remain as assistant coaches and Williamstown, Richmond and Box Hill assistant coach and PEGS APS coach Clay Illman has joined the coaching panel.
Aberfeldie doesn’t lack for on-field leadership either.
The club is ably led by captain and Team of the Year skipper Luke Davis, Reynolds Medal third-place-getter Matt Williamson, Victor Carboni, Nick and Sam Cattapan and ex-AFL defender Josh Toy.
Meanwhile, Marcon’s VFL premiership teammate and newly crowned Reynolds Medallist Nick Meese made an immediate impact in his return to local footy this season.
The cousins will reunite in the Abers midfield, boosting what was already one of the best onball groups in the competition.
“I’m really excited to play with my big cousin, we’ve played a lot of footy together,” Marcon said.
“He was a big reason why I wanted to align with Aberfeldie, I trust his opinion of the club and he said it was an amazing place.
“I might pencil myself in an on ball spot but it’s going to be an interesting learning curve finding out where it’s best to coach from playing position wise.
“Being Williamstown captain for the past four years I’ve been doing a fair bit of that on-field leadership stuff already.”
With a premiership-calibre list already, Marcon has no major recruiting plans at this stage except to replace departing players.
PREMIER: PASCOE VALE BOOSTS MIDFIELD WITH EX-AFL GUN
LEADER: GET YOUR ESSENDON DISTRICT NEWS HERE
REYNOLDS: MEESE REVEALS SHOCK HEALTH BATTLE
“My first priority is to retain as many people as I can and maybe bring in one or two if we do lose any along the way,” he said.
“With the landscape of local footy at the moment, the salary cap and points system, you can bring in one or two but it’s more about developing the junior boys at Aberfeldie.
“You can bring in recruits but it’s really important to have the pressure from the younger guys and reserves.
“We’ve had a Zoom meeting and I’ve spoken a little about the approach I want to bring. I think we’ve got a lot to look forward to.”
Ranked: The ex-AFL players who lit up local footy this year
From the bush to the ‘burbs, former AFL players thrilled local football crowds across all corners of the state this year. We’ve named the best – and ranked the top 15. See who heads the list.
Every signing of the EDFL off-season
The EDFL off-season has only just started but some clubs have already well and truly started making moves for 2025. Keep up to date with every signing in our signing tracker.