EDFL: Coaching change on the way for grand finalists

Two EDFL clubs who parted ways with grand final coaches have named their replacements. Here’s the latest.

Strathmore has moved quickly to name its new coach with the appointment of an assistant coach to the top job.

Nick Ash has been named as Marty Allison’s replacement after he was let go after just one season in charge in which the Mores made the grand final.

Ash had been a senior assistant at Lebanon Reserve for the last three seasons and previously guided Rupertswood to the Riddell District league premiership in 2019.

In a statement posted online, Ash expressed his excitement at the opportunity.

“I am looking forward to working with this extremely close and talented playing group, plus adding to our stocks to push again for the ultimate glory in the Essendon (District) Football League Premier Division.

Club president John Elliott said the appointment was an “exciting one”.

Nick Ash. Picture: Hamish Blair

STRATHMORE MAKES ITS MOVE

Strathmore will have a third coach in three years.

The EDFL powerhouse has confirmed it has parted ways with senior mentor Marty Allison after just one season during his second stint with the club.

Allison led the Mores to a second straight grand final only to be beaten by Keilor on the final day of the Premier Division season.

“The Strathmore Football Club executive met last night to consider coaching applications for season 2024,” a statement on Tuesday afternoon said.

“It was decided not to reappoint Marty Allison for the 2024 football season. The executive decided that the club needed to move in a different direction.

“A coaching announcement for season 2024 will be made in the next few days.

“We thank Marty for all of his hard work throughout the 2023 season and the club wishes him all the very best in the future.”

The announcement was made just days after the club held its presentation night.

Brock Egglestone, who is expected to miss all of 2024 with a serious knee injury, took home the senior best and fairest.

Andrew Vavra finished second with Adam Iacobucci in third.

Strathmore went on a seven-game unbeaten run before the grand final, finishing the home-and-away season third on the ladder.

WEST COBURG NAMES DALE MAY’S REPLACEMENT

West Coburg has moved quickly to replace the outgoing Dale May with the appointment of its new senior coach.

Daniel Barnes has been named as May’s replacement, signing a two-year deal with the Burgers.

Barnes has serves as an assistant for the past two seasons.

“He has a strong family connection to the club, is passionate about developing our players on and off the field and brings a wealth of coaching knowledge to the role,” the club said.

“The West Coburg Football Club is looking forward to what Daniel and his assistants bring to our young, talented playing group in 2024.”

WEST COBURG TO HAVE A NEW COACH

A second EDFL club who played off in a grand final this year have confirmed it will have a new coach in 2024.

West Coburg announced on Tuesday night that Dale May was standing down from the role of senior coach, a position he had held since 2019.

A former premiership captain at Strathmore, May guided the Burgers to the 2022 and 2023 Division 1 grand finals, which they were ultimately beaten in.

“The West Coburg Football Club would like to announce that Dale May is stepping down from his role as senior coach,” the club said in a statement.

“ The entire club would like to thank Dale for his unwavering commitment throughout his time at West Coburg, which included guiding the club through the challenges of the Covid interrupted seasons and culminated in an appearance in the 2022 and 2023 grand finals.

“He is and will continue to be a much loved person at our club, and we would like to wish Dale and his family all the best for the future.”

The news came just hours after Strathmore announced it had parted ways with Marty Allison sparking rumours of a reunion between the two parties.

Dale May. Photo: Hamish Blair