EFNL 2024: Kyle Dove appointed East Burwood coach for 2025

The Eastern league Division 2 club’s “lengthy process” to find its next senior coach has turned up a familiar face. Latest here.

East Burwood has named its coach for 2025. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

East Burwood has turned to its captain as its next senior coach.

The Eastern league Division 2 club has unveiled ruckman and centre half-back Kyle Dove to replace outgoing mentor Justin Whitcher, who was sacked after just one season in charge.

Dove, a former East Burwood junior, returned to the club in 2023 after a stint Port Melbourne in the VFL and 58 senior appearances with top-flight outfit Blackburn – including the 2019 Premier Division grand final.

The club said Dove stood out in a “lengthy process of panelled interviews” for the role.

“We believe as a committee that Kyle is the right person to take our club to where it needs to be, both on and off the field for 2025 and beyond,” the club said in a statement.

“He will bring a fresh and exciting coaching experience to the young Rams squad.

“Kyle loves the game of AFL, has a passion for the club, and wants the club to thrive into the future.

“He is looking to leverage his leadership experience and football knowledge to lead our senior football program in 2025 and beyond.”

East Burwood missed the finals with a 7-11 record this season, finishing eighth of the competition’s 10 teams.

Dove, who becomes the club’s fourth senior coach in as many years, will be tasked with offsetting the losses of triple league medallist Matt Mariani who has returned to Templestowe, and recently-crowned best and fairest Jaymie Kempson, who is off to Premier power Balwyn.

More to come.