EDFL: Aberfeldie names Clay Illman, Ben Ronke as its new senior coaches

Aberfeldie football president Sean Howard has given an insight into the club’s new co-coaching structure and why he’s excited about the recruits who have returned to the club.

Ben Ronke has joined Abers. Photo: AAP.

Aberfeldie has delivered two early Christmas presents to its supporters.

The EDFL powerhouse has confirmed former AFL forward Ben Ronke and Clay Illman as their new senior coaches for the 2024 season.

The pair have been appointed just weeks after the club confirmed Adam Marcon had stood down after he accepted an AFL role with North Melbourne for next year.

Ronke arrives at Abers after spending the 2023 season with Carlton’s VFL team after time was called on his AFL career with the Sydney Swans, where he played 44 games in five years.

Aberfeldie football president Sean Howard said the club was “very happy” to land Ronke in a playing coach capacity.

“Ben obviously has a link to the area through St Bernard’s and he was looking to get more involved with coaching,” he said.

“At Sydney, he’s played under one of the great modern coaches in John Longmire so we’re really excited about what he’s going to bring to our club.

“We feel he and Clay are going to work together really well. Our list is in a transition period and Ben is in the perfect bracket to help us with that.

“It’s no secret we had a massive number of players play senior footy last year due to injury but we believe we’re still in a really good spot.”

So far this off-season, Abers have confirmed four new recruits including Ronke.

He will join Brodie Newman (SANFL), Matt Williamson (WAFL) and Sam Medland (Woodend Hesket) who will all return to the club next season.

“We think we’ll have strong depth next season,” Howard said.

“We’re rapt to have returning players back at the club for next season, they’ll be critical in supporting our younger players.”

Illman is no stranger to the playing group having served as Marcon’s assistant during the last two seasons.

He has also worked across four VFL clubs and previously was the head coach of PEGS school footy program.

“Clay’s teaching background and track record in nurturing high-performing teams mark him as an exceptional addition to the senior coaching position,” Aberfeldie said in a social media post.