EFNL 2025: Gary Ayres to stand down as Montrose coach

A five-time AFL premiership hero has made a call on his local coaching future with his phone now expected to ring hot.

Gary Ayers will leave Montrose at the end of the season. Picture : George Sal

Gary Ayres will call time on his time with Montrose at the end of the season.

The five-time Hawthorn premiership star’s departure from the Eastern league Division 1 club was confirmed in a club statement on Thursday night.

Ayres joined the club from VFL outfit Port Melbourne ahead of the 2022 season with the Demons twice having reached a preliminary final.

“Gary joined us in 2022, at a time when our community was seeking inspiration ahead of our Centenary year — and he delivered in spades,” the club statement said.

“A true professional and passionate leader, Gary raised the bar for our football program and club culture, always bringing a strong sense of purpose and, at times, a trademark sense of humour.

“His ability to build genuine relationships across all areas of the club was unmatched, and his efforts to elevate our “one club” mantra have had a lasting impact on the Montrose spirit.”

Montrose said Ayres’ impact had been equally as great off the field.

“Gary’s legacy will not just be measured in wins and finals appearances, but in the people he’s inspired and the standards he’s set,” the statement said.

“He will continue to lead us through the remainder of the 2025 season, and we encourage all players, members, supporters, and sponsors to join us in showing appreciation for his outstanding service.”

Montrose currently sits sixth on the ladder with a 3-5 record at the halfway point of the season.

The Demons will travel to take on Bayswater, who sit eighth, on Saturday afternoon at Marie Wallace Oval from 2.20pm.