EFNL Division 3 2024: Coldstream coach Jarrod Bayliss to step down at season’s end

The Eastern Division 3 club will soon hit the market for a senior coach following the resignation of Jarrod Bayliss.

EFNL 2024: Coldstream coach Jarrod Bayliss has called time. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Coldstream will soon hit the market for a senior coach following the resignation of Jarrod Bayliss.

The triple premiership coach will step down at the end of the Eastern Division 3 season after a year in charge, citing work and family reasons.

He said a recent trip away allowed him time to “stop and think”, and he informed the playing group on Thursday night.

“It’s purely just time with family and business,” Bayliss said, whose stint as a playing-coach has been marred by injury this season.

“There’s a new business in Mitcham that I’ve opened up – One Two Boxing – it needs a bit more time and commitment from me and then obviously my family also deserve more time from me as well.

“I’m 36, there’s been a lot of footy, 300-plus games, multiple premierships – what else is there?

“It’s not an easy decision – I don’t like letting go at the best of times.

“Football isn’t at the top of my priority list for my future endeavours.”

Bayliss landed the Coldstream role after taking Outer East club Powelltown to back-to-back flags – snapping a 33-year drought in 2022.

He also led Park Orchards – then in Division 3 – to its maiden Eastern league premiership in 2017 following stints with Wandin from 2010-2014 and 2016.

The former Mooroolbark junior hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching in the future.

Bayliss (right) lifts the Division 3 cup at Park Orchards in 2017. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“Never say never,” Bayliss said.

“I think some time away will definitely do me good – I love coaching, and I can see myself coaching again at some point, but for now it’s time to regroup and take a deep breath.”

Despite three premierships as a coach, two things stand out as Bayliss’ proudest achievements.

“I’m proud of the success, but that only comes off the back of really good connection,” he said.

“Probably the connection within the group every time we’ve won (a flag) – being able to get a group to flick a switch at the right time when we haven’t been the best side is probably the thing I’m most proud of.

“Being able to find a way to get better when you’re not supposed to and when you’ve got your backs to the wall – that comes off the back of belief, connection and attitude.

“The other thing is learning how to lose – getting taught a lot of lessons when I was coaching at Wandin.”

Coldstream sits 11-6 in fourth on the ladder – with finals locked in ahead of the last home-and-away round – and is set to regain a host of key names.

It has lost three of its past four matches – but like the Bayliss-coached teams of yesteryear, the 36-year-old is hopeful his charges can deliver when it counts.

“It’s been a bit of a rough month, but as we know it’s a new season come September so it’s just about getting it right at the right time,” Bayliss said.

“I’m excited to finish the year off well.”