EFNL 2023: Dennis Armfield set to sign off as Park Orchards coach
Dennis Armfield will soon leave his role as Park Orchards senior coach, the Eastern league Premier Division club has confirmed.
Eastern
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FORMER AFL Blue Dennis Armfield will sign off as Park Orchards playing-coach at the end of the season.
The Eastern league Premier Division club confirmed on Tuesday night the 36-year-old had made the decision to step down from his post of five years.
Armfield took over in the role ahead of 2019, helping the club to a preliminary final berth in the league’s second tier in his first season in charge.
He took the Sharks to the top of the ladder in 2021 – losing just one match from 11 starts before Covid wiped the season.
Park Orchards was subsequently promoted to the top division for the first time in its history.
The club paid tribute to Armfield’s tenure, highlighting his “leadership” and “professionalism”.
“Dennis has informed the committee that he will cease his role as senior men’s coach at the conclusion of the 2023 season,” the club said in a statement.
“Dennis has been an integral part of our club culture over this time, taking the senior team from second division to Premier Division in a short space of time.
“His poise, leadership, insight, professionalism, support and pride in his role is unquestionable.
“To Dennis, Abby and their daughter Steele, thank you for all the hard work, travel, late nights, meetings, trainings sessions and camps.
“You will always be part of our family and are forever welcome.”
The Sharks were anchored to the bottom of the Premier Division ladder amid a winless opening nine rounds this year – but have since won four of their past six matches to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
They sit 10th and finish the home-and-away season with matches against ladder-leader Vermont, Balwyn (third) and Berwick (ninth).
The Sharks join fellow Premier Division clubs Berwick, Norwood and South Croydon in the hunt for a senior coach for 2024.
Park Orchards has been contacted for further comment.
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