‘I love footy’: One-on-one with new Nunawading coach Thomas Flood

Appointed as coach of Eastern battler Nunawading, Thomas Flood takes on one of local footy’s toughest assignments. He discusses his plans for the club in its bid to return from recess next season.

EFNL: Nunawading has appointed its new senior men’s coach, hopeful of a return to the field next season. Picture: Davis Harrigan

THOMAS Flood’s hand couldn’t have shot up quick enough for the Nunawading senior coaching job.

“It (coaching) is something I’m definitely passionate about – I love footy, I’m a footy nuffy at heart,” he declared.

“Passing that on to the next group of people coming through is something that was pretty important to me.”

Recently appointed, he takes on a role many would have shied away from – with the Eastern club’s senior men’s program in recess following a player exodus at the end of last season.

Flood – who turns 33 this week and served as Nunawading’s senior assistant last year – quipped to president Adrian Salanitri when it became apparent there would be no 2025 team: “Include me in your plans”.

Attention swiftly turned to a 2026 comeback.

With the position vacated by Frank Salanitri and advertised earlier this year, Flood threw his hat in the ring for his maiden senior coaching gig, following assistant roles at a handful of clubs.

EFNL 2025: New Nunawading coach Thomas Flood. Picture: Supplied

“Knowing the calibre of the people that are still around the club and are keen to make it a success is probably the biggest attraction for me,” Flood said, who flourished among a list of league-endorsed candidates.

“Within footy clubs we’re often very fortunate to meet some pretty incredible people who really care about their local community and put a lot of effort into community sport.

“Nunawading’s one of those places where we really do care about the community, the area and put a lot of effort into it, and making the effort to keep the doors open this year through the under-19s and women’s teams, it’s something they’ve done an incredible job of.

“Expanding that back out to hopefully a senior men’s program next year, it’s exciting to be a part of.”

Battling for more than a decade, Nunawading’s on-field fortunes spiralled further in 2024, finishing last in the league’s lowest tier – winning a combined four matches in three seasons.

The club officially withdrew its senior men’s and reserves teams in March.

Speaking to this masthead earlier this year, president Salanitri declared: “I’m up for the challenge and I don’t back down easily.”

It’s an enthusiasm shared by Flood, unwavering in the vision of hitting next season – and the Lions’ 2027 centenary year – with a full complement of teams.

The under-19s – which merged with neighbouring club Forest Hill this year – has “had a really good year from a bonding and development point of view”, Flood says.

“We don’t want it to be a one-hit-wonder – we want to build something that can be sustainable and bring a lot of pride to the local area, as a successful and sustainable team,” he said.

“We’ve got good buy-in from the existing playing-group with those ‘19s and we’ve had positive conversations with some of those guys who left last year when it became apparent we weren’t going to be able to field a senior team.

“Hopefully from a recruiting point of view, the opportunity to come in and really stamp their mark on a new team, (will) be appealing as well.”

A Level 2 accredited coach, Flood’s playing career began in the Tasmanian junior ranks, followed by senior stops in the Geelong and Northern leagues before landing at Koonung Reserve. This season, he’s laced up for Eastern Division 2 outfit, Croydon.

But with his heart firmly entrenched at Nuna, Flood is insistent the league has been in “very robust”, regular discussions with the club about rising from the depths of recess next season.

“They’re obviously really keen for us to be in a strong position to go again for next year … they don’t want to be losing clubs,” Flood said.

“They’ve been really supportive, providing as much help as they can.”