Every coaching change across Melbourne local footy
From ex-AFL coaches to local legends onto their next challenge or the successors looking to make their mark. Here is every new local footy coach for 2023.
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There has been plenty of changes in the local footy coaching ranks this off-season.
From ex-AFL coaches and players to local legends moving onto their next challenge, there has been some serious movement.
Here is every new coach from across Melbourne.
EASTERN
Premier Division
Brenton Sanderson (Balwyn)
The former Adelaide coach landed in the Tigers’ head role following Rodney Eade’s departure at the end of the 2022 season. Sanderson played 209 AFL matches across Adelaide, Collingwood and Geelong from 1992 to 2005, including 199 with the Cats in the last decade of his career, winning a best and fairest in 2001. He coached the Crows from 2012 to 2014, leading the club to a preliminary final.
Division 1
Marc Hardy (Bayswater)
The Eastern league great and 430-gamer returns to the Division 1 club he led to a premiership as playing-coach in 2005. He replaces outgoing mentor Tom Roach, who had steered the club since 2019.
Brett Moyle (Wantirna South)
The dual North Ringwood premiership coach replaces outgoing mentor Steve Cochrane, who stood down at the end of last season.
MORE: New Wantirna South coach reveals plans for Division 1 club
Division 2
Steve Buckle (Knox)
The triple Eastern league premiership mentor returns to coaching after a season off, taking over from ex-AFL Hawk Brendan Whitecross who steered the Falcons across the 2021 and ‘22 seasons. Buckle, who coached Doncaster East to two flags and Heathmont to one, takes over a Knox outfit which finished ninth of Division 2’s 10 teams, with a 4-13-1 record last season.
Mark Fisher (Upper Ferntree Gully)
A former state and NAB League assistant, Fisher will steer the Kings this season as they embark on a new division following a winless campaign and relegation from Division 1. Fisher led Outer East club Mount Evelyn from 2018 to 2022, stepping aside ahead of last season. His stint included finals in Division 1 in 2019, with it placed second in 2021 when the campaign was wiped due to Covid.
Scott Hamill (Heathmont)
The former Surrey Park mentor will steer the Jets in 2023 following two years out of senior coaching. Hamill led the Division 4 Panthers to their first finals campaign in 13 years in 2019 during a four-year stint, before serving as an assistant coach to Brendan Whitecross at Knox across 2021 and ‘22.
David Jensen (East Burwood)
The former Surrey Park coach replaces outgoing mentor Stuart Wynd, who stood down at the end of the 2022 campaign. Jensen joins the Rams via Division 2 rival Ringwood where he served as senior assistant in the second half of last season, after parting ways with Surrey Park last June.
Matt Richards (Mulgrave)
The Lions great succeeded Ryan Webster in the head role in August last year. Richards holds the club games record and brings head coaching experience from the under-19s and reserves, and seniors as assistant – a position he had held since 2020.
Jason Wade (The Basin)
The former Donvale champion takes on his first senior coaching gig, after clocking up more than 400 games across a decorated career which included two senior flags, three senior best and fairests, multiple appearances at representative level and the club captaincy. He takes over from outgoing Bears coach Justin Stanton.
MORE: Donvale great to coach The Basin
Division 3
Andrew Haining (Whitehorse Pioneers)
Former Montrose ruckman Haining will coach the Pioneers in a playing capacity this season, replacing Duncan Jones in the role. Haining tied for the Eastern league’s highest individual honour, the Chandler Medal, in 2014 as the best and fairest in the top division in a career which has taken in more than 200 matches, three Team of the Year gongs and a premiership in the second tier in 2013.
Blake Pearson (Oakleigh District)
The two-time Chandler medallist and VFL premiership midfielder replaces Paul Howroyd as coach, and links up with brother Ryan who plays at the club. Pearson crosses from Norwood in the league’s Premier Division, and will serve as a playing-coach as he looks to improve on the club’s winless inaugural EFNL season in Division 2 last year.
Division 4
James Kenworthy (Surrey Park)
Appointed to the full-time role after the club fell 12 points short of the premiership last year, having previously served as caretaker coach from midway through the season. He’ll continue in a playing capacity this year.
Craig McKenzie (Scoresby)
Succeeds Kristian Bardsley in the senior coaching role after the club suffered a fourth relegation in eight years last season. The Magpies have welcomed back some experience in their bid to improve this year.
Ben Oakes (Croydon North-MLOC)
Takes over from the long-serving Mark Holly, and was senior assistant last season. Previously coached Mount Lilydale Old Collegians.
MORE: Where Croydon North-MLOC must improve
Frank Salanitri (Nunawading)
Appointed the Lions’ coach following the 2022 season, Salanitri takes on the role after last leading the club a decade ago. Nunwading went winless through last season and finished at the foot of the table.
MORE: How incoming Nunawading coach hopes to turn club’s fortunes around
Dean Warren (Glen Waverley)
Warren returns to the club after leading it in its inaugural year in 2005. The Hawks will be in recess at senior level this year, but he’s signed for the next three years. Glen Waverley finished last in Division 3 in 2022 and was relegated to Division 4.
ESSENDON DISTRICT
Premier Division
Marty Allison (Strathmore)
Allison is returning to Lebanon reserve for a second stint in the top job, replacing premiership coach Matt Horne. He previously led the club during between 2003-04.
Rocky Iannello (East Keilor)
It was arguably the most controversial appointment of the summer when Ianello replaced former Cougars coach Tim Bongetti. Now he’ll be tasked with helping the club try and break into the top-four.
Richard Little (Avondale Heights)
A four-time premiership star with Strathmore, Little steps into the top job having served as an assistant to Paddy Byrne in the last two years. He has experience in the VFL and AFL with Essendon in different roles.
Barry Prendergast (Essendon Doutta Stars)
The experienced mentor is set to bring plenty of experience to Nipper Jordan Oval. His resume includes time as the Eastern Ranges head coach as well as various AFL stints.
Division 1
Dean Young (Glenroy)
Takes over with the club in a precarious position as it aims to rebuild following its relegation.
Ben Tankard (Tullamarine)
Ash Flavel (Westmeadows)
Flavel has been appointed as Mo Kakkour’s replacement as the Tigers again eye off a finals appearance in 2023. Flavel was an EDFL star during his playing days.
Shane Jacobs (Craigieburn)
Jacobs returns to the club after previously steering Bundoora’s reserves to premiership success. He replaces Justin Sherman, who has now been named coach of Romsey. Jacobs played over 100 junior games for the Eagles.
Heath Scotland (Deer Park)
The former Sunshine mentor has been tasked with leading Deer Park’s new era after they moved to the EDFL. Scotland has been boosted by a series of impressive recruits to start the season.
Division 2
Cole Harvey (Burnside Heights)
Harvey was named as Aidan Stott’s replacement in September and looms as the perfect fit for a club so committed to bringing through its junior players.
Brett Lindrea (Jacana)
Tasked with one of the toughest jobs in local footy, Lindrea is determined to help the Jags continue building on the positive steps they’ve taken over the past two seasons.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Division 1
John Brown (Frankston Bombers)
The former Frankston Dolphins VFL assistant takes the reins from long-serving Beau Muston. Brown coached Rowville for three seasons in the Eastern Football League Division 1. He’s also coached Forest Hill, Park Orchards and Templestowe, guiding the latter to a premiership in 2010.
Danny Ades (Rosebud)
Ades coached Dingley for the past three seasons and took the Dingoes to the SFNL Division 1 elimination final last year. He says he’s excited to go to Rosebud with a “blank canvas’’ and build on the club’s proud history.
Division 2
Chris Gamble (Somerville)
Gamble joins the Eagles following assistant coaching roles in the AFLW and VFL. Last year he was with Collingwood’s AFL Women’s side as head of women’s development. Before that Gamble had three years with Frankston’s VFL side as midfield and forward coach. He also served as head coach of the Royal Australian Navy men’s team during the 2020 and 2021 seasons and also led the Cerberus’ men’s team in the Southern Football League in 2018.
Josh Newman (Mornington)
The former Frankston Dolphins captain has big shoes to fill, succeeding the legendary Simon Goosey. But he’s up for the challenge, vowing to “bring the love and fun back to playing footy” while driving high standards. The 27-year-old has signed as Mornington player-coach for the next two seasons, but hopes to be there a lot longer.
Stephen Ryan (Rye)
The former Collingwood and Richmond forward was Rye’s assistant coach last season and was actually involved in the Demons’ process to find a coach. He eventually put his hand up for the top job, signing a one-year deal with an option of two. It’s Ryan‘s second stint as Rye coach; he steered the Demons from 2008-11.
Gavin Artico (Hastings)
The Langwarrin and Dromana premiership coach has signed with the Blues for the next two seasons. Artico was an assistant coach in Langwarrin’s premiership triumph last season. “The challenge is one I like,” he said of the task of leading Hastings back up the MPNFL Division 2 ladder.
NORTHERN
Division 1
Joel Cordwell (Hurstbridge)
The Bridges had co-coaches last season with Jarrod Tilley and Brayden Shaw in charge. In 2023, it will be Cordwell going solo after coming on board from Carlton’s VFL team, where he was backline coach. A referral from former Hurstbridge player and Eastern Ranges coach Travis Cloke was a key.
MORE: New Hurstbridge coach talks new recruits
Jono Manzoney (Montmorency)
Manzoney takes the reins from legendary coach Garry Ramsay after serving as an assistant last season. The experienced mentor will look to keep the Magpies in the NFL Division 1 premiership race after the club reached the preliminary final last season.
Wayne Van Der Ross (Whittlesea)
Having led Yarra Glen in Outer East Division 2 for the past two seasons, it’s a big step up for Van Der Ross, taking charge of an NFL Division 1 outfit. He has high hopes for the Eagles with plenty of young talent at his disposal.
Luke Giles (West Preston-Lakeside)
Filling the large shoes of two-time premiership coach Rob Maiorana is a big job but Giles has plenty of experience on his side after six seasons as an assistant at NAB League club Northern Knights.
MORE: New West Preston-Lakeside coach discusses his plans
Vin Dattoli (Heidelberg)
The Tigers had to find a replacement for club legend and 2022 premiership coach Danny Nolan but didn’t have to look far in appointing his assistant – and an NFL Division 1 premiership coach in his own right – Dattoli. There will be minimal disruption to Heidelberg’s back-to-back ambitions.
Division 2
Tim Bongetti (Eltham)
After getting the chop at East Keilor, Bongetti said it himself “I’ve landed on my feet”. There’s plenty to like about the appointment too with Bongetti taking the reins from his Greensborough premiership coach Rob Hyde and looking to go one better than the Panthers’ grand final loss last year.
MORE: Bongetti appointed Eltham coach after leaving East Keilor
Peter Bugden (Thomastown)
Having won two Division 2 premierships with Whittlesea and guided Craigieburn from Division 1 to Premier in the EDFL, Bugden will look to repeat the dosage at Thomastown and take the Bears to the top flight of Northern football.
Division 3
Paul Derrick (Kilmore)
Respected Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips handed over the reins after six-and-a-half years to assistant Paul Derrick as the Blues executed a successful succession plan as they look to earn promotion from Division 3 in 2023.
RIDDELL DISTRICT
Justin Sherman (Romsey)
The former AFL man fell in love with the Redbacks after initially planning to sit out 2023. He takes the reins from Paul Kennedy after Romsey fell in the elimination final last season and will be looking to break into the RDFNL’s top three.
Leigh Sporle (Western Rams)
This will be Sporle’s second stint in the top job having previously coached the club in 2013. He takes over from Marty Weaver, arriving from EDFL Division 1 outfit Sunbury Kangaroos.
OUTER EAST
Division 1
Daniel Charles (Officer)
Charles has a history of turning around clubs’ fortunes quickly. He coached Doveton to a premiership in 2019 after it failed to win a game the previous season. Charles has coached Somerville, Buln Buln and Doveton, and been an assistant coach at Karingal, Beaconsfield, Berwick and Warragul Industrials.
Connor O’Sullivan (Mount Evelyn)
At 28, the former Norwood EFL Division 1 premiership player embarks on his senior coaching journey. After sustaining a serious leg injury which saw him out of action for a long period of time, O’Sullivan gained a passion for coaching. A move to Mt Evelyn in 2021 saw him try and resurrect his playing career, but unfortunately the rigours of football finally took its toll, hence his early retirement and a move into coaching.
Shaun Wilson (Seville)
Wilson is a 300-game player, life member and premiership player at Seville. He steps up to the top job after serving as assistant coach this year. He will take charge of a talented Blues list after they played off in a grand final last season.
Ryan Webster (Healesville)
Webster has an extensive history in coaching having held the senior job at Mulgrave FC for the past two years, been senior assistant to Guy McKenna at Beaumaris for the three years prior, as well as multiple years as senior assistant coach at both the Northern Bullants and Sandringham in the VFL. Additionally, he has held numerous coaching appointments in cricket including being the high performance manager for Cricket Victoria from 2014 to 2019, Box Hill head coach and Senior XI coach at Yarra Valley Grammar.
Dean Williams (Yarra Glen)
Williams takes the reins after various roles with Oakleigh Chargers, Coburg, Rowville, Montrose and most recently Vermont.
Scott Kerr (Hallam)
The former Nar Nar Goon assistant coach will guide the Hawks as they go into Division 1 of Outer East league after crossing over from Southern league Division 4. Kerr has also been involved at Berwick and Beaconsfield and he brings experience and professionalism to the young Hawks.
Division 2
Brian D’Arcy (Yea)
The local school principal has a deep sense of community and understands the importance of a vibrant football and netball club. As a previous assistant coach at Yea, he’s also coached in the Premier League for women and in the VWFL for five years, coaching many past and present AFLW players. D’Arcy said the Tigers’ priority was to get players back to the club.
SOUTHERN
Division 1
Nathan Robinson (Chelsea Heights)
The bar has been set fairly high for the new Chelsea Heights coach, taking on the role after former coach Josh Bull who successfully acquired the Demons a place in the top flight.
Zach Horsley (Dingley)
The Dingoes will be led by Zach Horsley, who will look to find the balance between meeting Dingley’s exceptional standards and creating a sustainable influx of young talent.
Kristian Bardsley (Bentleigh)
After coaching Scoresby for two stints – the first of which netted a premiership in 2006 – Bardsley joins Bentleigh with great expectations. Bardsley has young and exciting list at his feet, highlighted by a graduating under-19s side fresh off winning the premiership.
Josh Caddy (Port Melbourne Colts)
The two-time AFL premiership player will coach Port Melbourne Colts this season after making a mid-season local footy comeback for Greensborough in 2022. He will line-up alongside former Geelong teammate Billie Smedts.
Division 2
Nick Jewell (East Brighton)
Build it and they will come. New Vampires coach Nick Jewell has made major inroads in East Brighton’s push for the Division 2 premiership by adding no few than nine recruits.
Clint Einseldel (Highett)
Einseldel joins Highett from most recently Hastings, but has a wealth of experience in the Southern league both as a player and as a coach. While he hasn’t coached a win yet, he isn’t shying away from the expectation of soon becoming a Division 1 outfit.
Hayden Stanton (Hampton Park)
The experienced coach joins the Redbacks after steering Garfield in the West Gippsland competition since 2018.
Mick Rossborough (East Malvern)
Coaching comes second nature to Rossborough after over two decades of experience. Throw in his cricket coaching record, Rossborough is a proven developer of young stars.
Aaron Pacey (Skye)
Pacey returns to Wedge Road after taking a senior coaching opportunity at Tyabb in the MPNFL. Prior to taking on that role he played a nudge under 150 games for the Bombers.
Division 3
Michael De Corrado (Ashwood)
Ashwood wasted no time in unveiling De Corrado as its senior coach, making the announcement in the early wake of the 2022 season. The Magpies expect his structure built coaching style to propel them out of Division 3.
Brad Canavan (Carrum Patterson Lakes)
Canavan adds to his hefty footy resume by taking the wheel at Carrum Patterson Lakes. The two-time premiership coach joins the Lions after recently coaching at Somerville.
Matt Ferguson (Clayton)
Ferguson has been around the Southern Football Netball League for some time and has demonstrated experience in coaching development sides.
Stephen De Luca (Narre South Saints)
De Luca signs on with coaching experience under every possible banner. The Saints are clear with what they want from De Luca: flags!
Division 4
Rob Marks (Doveton Eagles)
Marks joins the Eagles with immense experience in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Prior to that, SFNL was his home, formerly plying his trade at Hampton Park.
Pat Robinson (Lyndale)
Robinson steps up from his 2022 assistant coaching role to lead the Pumas as senior coach. His mission has started strongly, as Lyndale has managed to retain majority of its playing list.
George Koumantatakis (South Yarra)
Koumantatakis tackles the job at South Yarra after a long history in the Victorian Amateur Football Association. The side out of Fritsch Holtzer Park are hopeful Koumantatakis’ experience will guide them to a successful reset.
Thirds
Lachlan Avery (Heatherhill)
The first-time coach becomes the inaugural leader for Heatherhill after a steady stint as a player at MPNFL club Frankston Bombers. The Hawks’ first season will be in the Thirds competition.
VAFA
Andrew Jago (AJAX)
Jago was appointed the AJAX new coach for 2023. He is a level 3 AFL high performance accredited coach who is also a qualified sports psychology lecturer. He was recently head coach of the Melbourne University women’s team and Calder Cannons NAB League side.
Craig Glennie (Aquinas)
Glennie is a life member of the club. He comes into the role with seven years of experience coaching the club’s under-19s.
Josh Bourke (Beaumaris)
Bourke will return to the club where he began his coaching journey. In his first stint at the club, he was as a senior assistant and under-19s coach. Bourke comes into the role this time having been the head coach of APS school team St Kevin’s, the head coach at Sandringham Dragons and an assistant at Dandenong Stingrays.
Andrew Verga (Bulleen Templestowe)
Verga, a club life member and premiership winner, will take on the role as senior coach this season. He played 240 games with the club and has applied his trade as an assistant coach at the club in recent years.
Jeff D’Amato (Box Hill North)
D’Amato, a life member and three-time premiership player played 150 games for the club. He also brings with him plenty of achievements in coaching, including two EFNL junior premierships.
Guy McKenna (Caulfield Grammarians)
McKenna arrives after a stint with Beaumaris. The former Gold Coast Suns coach will be an exciting addition for the club. Simon Williams is the departing coach.
Dylan Cousins (Monash Blues)
Cousins is a level two accredited coach and has previous experience as a former head coach at Mazenod and as an assistant at De La Salle. Mark Passador is the departing coach.
Adrian Sipala (North Brunswick)
Sipala brings significant playing experience to the club with almost 300 games for Airport West and Avondale Heights.
James Francis (Oakleigh AFC)
Francis arrives at the club after spending last season with Old Trinity. He replaces Jimmy Hunt.
Dan Donati (Old Brighton)
Donati arrives with a significant reputation having won 10 senior premierships with six different clubs. His most recent was with Barwon Heads in 2022.
Andy Horne and Andrew Beever (PEGS)
After their promotion into Premier C, PEGS have adopted a co-coaching arrangement. Horne becomes a co-coach after a successful season helping the club win a senior premiership, winning the club best-and=fairest and winning the competition medal. Beever played at his junior club Strathmore for a number of years captaining the team and playing in EDFL premierships and representative teams. Len Hannah is the departing coach.
Steven Alessio (St Bernard’s)
The Snowdogs have turned to the former Essendon premiership ruckman as their new senior mentor. He becomes the fourth Essendon premiership player to coach the Snowdogs after Simon Madden, Garry Foulds and Frank Dunell which continues a strong association the club has with the AFL club. Paul Groves is the departing coach.
Clay Tait (St Mary’s Salesian)
Tait played 200 games as a midfielder for Dalyston in the West Gippsland league. He regularly finished in the top five in Dalyston’s best-and-fairest and played in a premiership in 2015. Erwin Leyden is the departing coach.
Glenn Hopkins (Wattle Park AFC)
The former Werribee VFL player will continue his coaching journey in the VAFA. He has previously worked at Heathcote.
Will Dillon (West Brunswick)
Dillion, a premiership player in 2015, returns to the club to take on the senior role. He is also a former club captain.
WESTERN REGION
Division 1
Brian Lake (Caroline Springs)
The three-time AFL premiership star will take on his first coaching job with the local club he has made his second home since retiring from the top level. It’s expected the Lakers will be right in the mix for a first Division 1 flag.
Adam Contessa (Hoppers Crossing)
The former AFL midfielder will return to coaching as he prepares to take the reins from his “great mate” Steve Kretiuk. He’ll be tasked with leading the Warriors back up the ladder after they went down in the 2022 elimination final.
Tom German (Spotswood)
German is set to take on a playing coach role after crossing from Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat league. He’ll be hoping to lead Spotswood to a finals return.
Clay Smith (Point Cook)
The Western Bulldogs premiership hero has been busy this off-season, quickly building one of the most exciting lists in the division. The club is confident it will be a smooth transition from former coach Brett Jacobs.
Division 2
Ben Chapman (Sunshine)
Chapman has been tasked with leading Sunshine’s rebound to the top tier after its relegation in 2022. He’s previously spoken about the excitement of rebuilding the Roos and is quickly putting together a quality list.
Jason Parker and Robert May (Wyndhamvale)
The Falcons have opted for co-coaching option in 2023 with May and Parker having known each other from their time together at other clubs.
Josh Russo (Newport)
Russo is stepping into the full-time role, taking over from Ziggy Kadour having previously served as the club’s assistant coach.
Blake Richards (Albion)
A former Albion junior who was part of the club’s senior Division 1 premiership in 2010. He returns to the Cats after time with Caroline Springs.
John Mangos (Braybrook)
Took over for the finals series in 2022 before guiding the Brookers into Division 2.
Division 3
Troy Beamond (West Footscray)
Beamond takes over the Roosters on a two-year deal as they look to bounce back from relegation. He guided Wyndhamvale to the 2015 Division 2 flag.
Nick Smith (Albanvale)
Smith is returning to the coach fold after taking a break in 2022. He was previously the senior mentor at Werribee Centrals in the Geelong and District league.
Max De Groot (North Sunshine)
De Groot has been appointed to help continue rebuilding the Roadrunners. He has previous experience with Glen Orden, Manor Lakes and Tarneit.
‘What we play for’: Wallan ready for grand final challenge
Wallan returns to the RDFNL grand final stage, defeating Macedon in the preliminary final, and is looking to cause a boilover on the big stage.
REPLAY: St Kevin’s storm home in VAFA Premier Women’s semi-final
They refer to the third term as the premiership quarter and St Kevin’s have answered the call by cutting down Old Scotch to storm into the VAFA Premier women’s grand final. Full REPLAY.