EFNL 2023: Jarrod Bayliss appointed Coldstream coach

Incoming Coldstream coach Jarrod Bayliss discusses his plans for the Eastern Division 3 outfit, revealing he’s as hungry as ever for the task following back-to-back flags with Powelltown.

THREE-time premiership mentor Jarrod Bayliss will lead Coldstream in 2024, declaring he’s “still got the bug” to coach.

Fresh off overseeing back-to-back flags with Outer East club Powelltown, Bayliss also led Park Orchards to a Division 3 crown in 2017 following stints with Wandin from 2010-2014 and 2016.

He succeeds Chad Rogers, who led the Cougars to three of a possible four finals series during a six-year stay, helping them into Division 3 following an undefeated campaign in 2021.

Bayliss, who will serve as a playing-coach, said his longstanding connection with Coldstream helped attract him to the role.

He stepped down as Powelltown coach at the end of this season after three years at the helm, breaking the club’s 33-year premiership drought in 2022.

Jarrod Bayliss (right) celebrates the Eastern Football League Division 3 premiership in 2017. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“The biggest thing for me was I’d grown up with a lot of people from Coldstream – a lot of my mates I grew up with have been a part of the club,” Bayliss said.

“I’ve always had a bit of a tie there through different people.

“I was sitting at home after having a couple of weeks off, and thought I’d had a successful period over the last few years and thought ‘You know what, I’ve still got the bug’ and I really wanted to find somewhere that had a young list with ‘19s, structure coming through and they excited me.

“It just sort of worked out in the end.”

Coldstream finished the season with a 6-12 record in Division 3, missing the finals in sixth spot.

Recruiting could be on the radar for the new coach, who’s confident the club can bounce back quickly.

“I’ll look to fill the voids … it’s ticking along at the moment,” Bayliss said.

“They’ve been around the mark, they had a lot of injuries (this) year but they’ve got a decent list.”

Powelltown celebrates the 2023 Outer East Division 2 premiership. Picture: Facebook

Building depth, fostering a “winning culture” and tweaking the game-plan are among the top priorities for the former Mooroolbark junior.

“I think it’s just a bit of purpose of what they’re about and a bit of ball-movement stuff, but (also) finding that defensive mindset and that passion to work for each other and defend for each other,” Bayliss said.

“I think that’s a key to success in any footy club.

“They’ve got a really good base off-field with what they’re doing … I’m just coming in to hopefully build on-field and build a strong winning culture and find that hard edge.”