Local footy: EDFL clubs make coaching moves for 2023
There has already been some big changes within the EDFL coaching ranks for 2023 with some familiar faces walking away. Here are all the moves so far.
Essendon
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Change is on the way across the Essendon District Football League with club’s already confirming their coaches for 2023.
From the Premier Division to the return of East Sunbury in Division 2, there will be fresh and familiar faces.
Here’s the latest from every club.
PREMIER DIVISION
ABERFELDIE
Adam Marcon will continue as Aberfeldie coach next year after signing a two-year deal in September 2021.
In his first season as senior mentor, Marcon led Abers to the minor premiership.
KEILOR
Mick McGuane will once again be in charge of the Blues next season.
He signed a two-year deal at the end of 2021.
EAST KEILOR
After deciding to retire from playing commitments, Tim Bongetti will step into a full-time coaching role in 2023.
Bongetti was charged with leading the Cougars’ return to Premier Division for the first time in more than 15 years.
They finished fifth on the ladder, two games out of the top four.
MARIBYRNONG PARK
Brad Swain, who first joined the club ahead of the 2021 season, signed a two-year extension at the end of his first season with the Lions.
AVONDALE HEIGHTS
Richard Little has been confirmed as Heights’ new coach for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Little has previously worked as a senior assistant with heights and has spent time in Essendon’s AFL and VFL programs.
He replaces Paddy Byrne who led the club to an eighth place finish this season.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS
After a ninth place finish in 2022, the Stars are on the lookout for a new coach.
Last month, they advertised the senior position.
Paul Barnard was the coach this season.
GLENROY
Glenroy will start fresh after being relegated to Division 1 after Ross Terranova stood down as senior coach after several years in charge.
It was a difficult season for the Roys who won just a single game.
The club has already started advertising the position.
DIVISION ONE
AIRPORT WEST
Trent Rogers signed a two-year deal with the Eagles at the end of the 2021 season.
The Eagles will play in the Division 1 grand final on September 4.
WESTMEADOWS
The Tigers confirmed the reappointment of Mo Kaakour for a further three years in July.
He is contracted with Westmeadows until the end of the 2026 season.
“After speaking with Mo, we believe that he is fully aligned to our vision and excited by the challenge of the next few years,” club president Grant Smith said.
“His commitment to our community and to developing a high performing premier division team left us no doubt that he is the right person to lead our club to a long term sustainable future.”
RUPERTSWOOD
Arron Bray was reappointed for a further two seasons earlier this month.
Rupertswood narrowly missed finals footy this season after finishing one game outside the top five in fifth.
HILLSIDE
Hillside advertised its senior coaching position as per its constitution earlier this year.
The process regarding the club’s coaching structure for next year is still ongoing.
Charlie Denaro coached the Sharks in 2022.
ROXBURGH PARK
Magpies coach Michael Farrelly signed for a further two seasons earlier this year.
Farrelly has previously guided Roxburgh Park to a Division 2 premiership and the club finished seventh on the ladder this year.
MOONEE VALLEY
Ian Denny has been reappointed as Moonee Valley coach for a second season.
The Fog have maintained their Division 1 status for next year.
Denny will be assisted by Robert Lamberti.
CRAIGIEBURN
Craigieburn is on the lookout for its third coach in three seasons after Justin Sherman informed the club he would be standing down after just one year in charge.
The Eagles are still advertising the position.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS
After being relegated to Division 2 for the 2023 season, the Kangaroos will have a fresh start after Leigh Sprole stood down after two years in charge.
“Sporle took on the coaching role in very tough uncertain conditions in the first season after Covid,” the club said in a social media post.
“The first of those seasons was cut short due to lockdowns, while this season didn’t go as expected.
“The club wants to thank Leigh for his compassion and commitment for the last two years.”
DIVISION TWO
COBURG DISTRICTS
The Lions has moved swiftly to lock up Tom Gleeson for the 2023 season.
Gleeson was first appointed for the cancelled 2020 season and has led Coburg Districts in the last two years.
The club is currently preparing for a preliminary final against Oak Park.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS
After going down in an elimination final to Burnside Heights, Aidan Stott announced he would be stepping down from his role as Bears coach.
Stott was in the role for several seasons after taking over midway through 2016 and has led the club to its only two senior finals appearances.
“Aidan always said that he wanted to leave the club in a better position than he found it and he has done that plus more,” club president Justin Peagram said in a statement.
“Aidan has become an inspirational and much loved and respected figure at the Bears and I would like to wholeheartedly thank him for all he has done for our club.
“Aidan can step aside knowing our club is in a good position to go forward and he has laid the stepping stones for success for his successor.”
Stott’s family remain heavily connected to the club’s junior program.
HADFIELD
Brett Pitts will lead the Hawks for a sixth season as the Hawks look to make a big move up the Division 2 ladder in 2023.
“While the club acknowledges the disappointment of not making finals this season, Brett has been central to the changing culture and dynamic of our senior playing group in his time and deserves the opportunity to see some finals success,” the club said in a statement.
“Brett’s main focus will be on recruiting over the next few months as we look to strengthen our senior playing depth.
“The club has identified the need to have a bigger and broader pool of players and see this as being a crucial part of moving up the ladder.”
TAYLORS LAKES
Steve Burns was given a look into the future after he took over at the midway point of the season.
He signed for 2023 and oversaw the Lions last six games.
“I don’t like where Taylors Lakes is but there’s a bright future ahead,” he said.
JACANA
Glenn McIntyre has announced he will stand down as Jacana coach having held the position since late 2019 when the club came out of recess.
“I firmly believe it won’t be long until we’re not only competitive for four quarters, but also winning games of footy,” McIntyre said in a statement on social media.
“Our younger players are developing at an astronomical pace and are looking more comfortable at senior level with every game.
“There is much to be enthusiastic about for the future when you consider 70 per cent of our playing list is aged 21 or younger.”
EAST SUNBURY
East Sunbury moved quickly to plan its return to senior competition next season with the appointment of Aaron Kite as coach.
Kite played for Glenroy this season and has been signed for two seasons.
“When he spoke, you could sense the passion he has for footy. It’s not about the money for him, he wants to give back to local footy,” club president Ronnie Paoly said.
No announcements
Premier Division: Strathmore, Pascoe Vale, Greenvale,
Division 1: Tullamarine
Division 2: Keilor Park, Oak Park, Northern Saints
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