EFNL 2022: Marc Hardy appointed Bayswater coach for 2023

The 400-gamer and Bayswater “found each other again”, with Marc Hardy returning to coach the club he led to glory 17 years ago.

He’s back for a second stint at the helm.

Eastern league great Marc Hardy will coach Bayswater next season, with the 430-gamer returning to the Division 1 club he led to a premiership as playing-coach in 2005.

He replaces outgoing mentor Tom Roach, who had steered the club since 2019.

It’s another chapter in Hardy’s long and storied Eastern league career which took in four premierships as a player across stops at Bayswater, Rowville, Vermont, Boronia and Scoresby.

He also coached Rowville from 2008 to 2009 – where he last lifted a cup as a player in Division 2 in 2012 – before leading Boronia from 2013 to ’15.

And his return to the Waters “came in a roundabout sort of way”.

Marc Hardy coaching Boronia in 2015. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“Funny story – Bayswater and I sort of found each other again,” Hardy said.

“I was coming out of coaching (under) 17s level at Rowville and was an assistant at Karingal.

“Bayswater gave me a call and asked if I knew anyone interested in senior coaching, looking around and making calls. I guess I spoke to a few people as well and (asked) would I consider the job, and I had no reason not to do it … and I decided to have a crack.

“It came in a roundabout sort of way – I wasn’t seeking it and they weren’t looking for me, but we sort of found each other.”

Hardy led the club to a nail-biting Division 3 grand final win 17 years ago in one of the most memorable Eastern league deciders this century.

The premiership connection made his return an easier choice.

Hardy (second from left, front) celebrates Bayswater’s upset premiership win over Doncaster East in 2005.

“I think once you’ve been able to win a premiership at a footy club, you’re bound for life and you’re part of the furniture so to speak as you’ve achieved something there,” he said.

“It made it easy to go back and I’ve still got quite a few friendships and still know quite a few players.”

Hardy pointed to the age demographic and number of games played as the most attractive prospect of the list he’s inheriting, which finished eighth of Division 1’s 10 teams this season with a 6-12 record.

“I was able to speak to independent people about the list who didn’t have any connection to the footy club to get a non-biased opinion and they said the list was very healthy and strong,” he said.

“They’re not too far away so hopefully with a different coaching group and a few new players we can get them to that next level in their development and get them to push for finals rather than just knocking on the door so to speak.”

The incoming coach says bolstering the ruck stocks and key defenders are on the radar this off-season, but a lift across the board would be targeted.

“All areas we’re looking to improve, whether it’s trying younger guys in different areas (or recruiting),” Hardy said.

“Like everyone else, we’re speaking to quite a few players, and looking for the right age demographic and the right people.

“Gone are the days of trying to get the best players you can find, but trying to find the right people who fit into your club who want to be part of it and not mercenaries looking to fill their own pockets.”

Hardy said the majority of the list had re-signed, including triple league best and fairest Joel Galvin, who he played alongside in the ’05 flag.

“Those guys re-signed without knowing who the senior coach was going to be, so they’ve put their faith in the footy club which is a great sign,” he said.

“I think the list is going to be healthy and strong.”