EFL 2022: Heathmont coach Nick Rutley steps down

Nick Rutley has called time on his two-year stint with the EFL Division 2 club. The former state league and AFLW assistant reveals why – and his next move.

HEATHMONT senior coach Nick Rutley has called time.

The former state league and AFLW assistant has stepped down from his post of two years, advising the club of his decision on the weekend, the club has confirmed.

Rutley landed the Division 2 job in September 2020 and led the Jets through the 2021 and ‘22 campaigns.

Rutley has stepped down as Heathmont coach. Picture: Davis Harrigan

They finished seventh this season with an 8-10 record, a game and percentage outside the finals.

Rutley said “a desire to coach at a higher level” led to his decision.

“It’s as simple as that,” Rutley said.

“It’s not fair to keep Heathmont in the dark, not that I have, but I wanted to keep all conversations about my future until the end of the season until it was mathematically impossible (to) make finals.

“Up until halfway through the last quarter of the last game of the year, we were a chance to play finals.

“Up until last week I wasn’t sure which way I’d go, but the desire to coach at a higher level is really strong and that would suggest that coaching locally is off the table.

“In fairness to Heathmont, they need an opportunity to go and see what’s out there in the market.”

Rutley brought development coaching experience from VFL clubs Box Hill and Casey across 2014-15 before heading up the midfield at NAB League club Calder Cannons in 2016.

He later coached Outer East top-flight club Wandin for two seasons, winning a premiership in 2018 while also serving as AFLW assistant at Carlton.

Rutley said he’ll seek his next opportunity in the coming weeks.

“The VFL and NAB League seasons are winding up so hopefully there’s opportunities to have a look in the coming weeks … I’m not going to a job or anything like that,” he said.

Asked about his proudest achievements in his two-year stint, Rutley pointed to his club’s third-placed finish to last season which had his side on the verge of finals before the season was wiped.

Parker Cup matches with arch-rival Ringwood – which netted a thrilling win in Round 3, 2021 – were also a highlight alongside debutants blooded and relationships formed.

“I was really honoured to coach in Parker cups,” Rutley said.

“Outside Covid taking the season away from us last year, I was really proud to lead the club to 9-3 and I don’t think anyone would’ve wanted to play us in last year’s finals series had we had one.”

Heathmont narrowly missed the finals in Division 2 this season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Despite missing the finals this season, Rutley leaves with plenty of praise for his group after battling through a long injury list and Covid-forced changes.

“I am still proud about how the group handled this year – lots of adversity, tough times, probably more downs than ups but they still turned up with smiles on their faces … keep competitive, keep trying, keep being coachable,” he said.

“Sometimes clubs can chuck it in, but our boys never chucked it in – they kept trying.

“Probably down the track they would’ve learned so much out of this season that they don’t even realise yet, from a maturity standpoint and from an adversity standpoint.

“They had to deal with a lot so hopefully it holds them in good stead for success that they’ll eventually get if they stick together.”