Former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney takes helm at North Ballarat
Former Western Bulldogs coach and Geelong premiership-winning assistant Brendan McCartney is making a return to country footy having taken the reins at Ballarat Football League club North Ballarat.
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Former AFL coach Brendan McCartney is making a return to community footy, taking the reins at Ballarat Football League club North Ballarat.
It was in local footy that McCartney launched his career having led Bellerine Football League outfit Ocean Grove to four straight premierships in 1994 to 1997.
He would go on to serve as head coach of the Western Bulldogs and assistant at Geelong, Essendon, Richmond and Melbourne in a distinguished career.
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Before COVID-19 struck he was coaching the Geelong Falcons’ NAB League Girls team.
McCartney’s role will also include development of the Roosters’ juniors and the establishment of a coaching academy to mentor the clubs football and netball coaches.
The 59-year-old was looking forward to returning to a community club.
“I’m really humbled to be offered the opportunity to become senior coach of North Ballarat Football Club,” he said.
“It is a great honour, and I’m looking forward to helping lead a club which is aligned from juniors to seniors, and play a role in developing football in the Ballarat community.”
After finishing second in 2018, North Ballarat missed he finals last season and Shane Skontra stepped down in August.
Roosters president Leon Jones was thrilled to secure such a respected coach.
“We see Brendan as the perfect man for our club, his extensive experience at AFL level along with a commitment to development, welfare and leadership aligns with what we are trying to achieve as a club,” he said.
“We welcome Brendan to the club and can’t wait to see him start in his new role”
McCartney has signed a three-year deal at Mars Stadium.