EFL: Dennet Merton appointed new coach of Donvale in the Eastern Football League
New Donvale coach Dennet Merton says his seven-year apprenticeship under two team of the year mentors will hold him in good stead for his first senior coaching position.
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Dennet Merton has slowly made his way down Doncaster Rd.
After serving as an assistant at Doncaster and Doncaster East since 2012, Merton has taken on the senior coaching position at Donvale.
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Merton worked under Andrew Tranquilli at the Sharks for six years before spending 2018 with the Lions as one of Steve Buckle’s lieutenants.
He has helped the respective clubs to three premierships in the past seven seasons, holding him in good stead for his first senior coaching gig.
“Obviously I’ve worked under two very good coaches and I’ll try and take a bit from both of them,” Merton said.
Merton is a Donvale local and his daughters — Abby, Ella and Indi — all play football with the Magpies.
He will also coach the club’s under-16 girls side in 2019.
Premiership ruckman Zac Haig has returned to Donvale after a stint at Nunawading, while 2017 premiership captain Karl Toce and fellow grand final heroes Jack Purcell and Dave Withers will all return next season after missing this year through injury.
Promising inside midfielder Conor Lucas has followed Merton from Doncaster East to Donvale.
Versatile key position player Jackson Freeman has returned to Wantirna South and is the only departure of note.
The Magpies returned an 8-10 record in Division 3 this year after tasting grand final glory in Division 4 the year previous, giving Merton reason for optimism.
“We’ve got a lot of young players. When I say young, I’m talking about the 20 to 22 age bracket, who make up over half the side,” he said.
“We’re looking to add to the list … another ruckman would be handy but I suppose every club says that.
“You want good players but it’s also a culture fit and with all these young guys we want to get the right people in.”
Donvale will start its pre-season on November 26.
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