Jacana parts ways with coach Matthew Huy as club confirms it will continue to field team in 2019

Coach Matthew Huy is gone and 21 players have departed but Jacana will persevere. The club confirmed it will continue to field at least a senior team in Division 2, denying rumours it was set to fold.

Jacana coach Paul Houston talks to his players. Picture: Rob Leeson

Coach Matthew Huy is gone and 21 players have departed but Jacana will persevere.

After forfeiting its Round 5 matches, there were fears the Jaguars might not see out the season.

Captain Bryce Kimuliatis has departed for Craigieburn and marquee forward Cameron Cloke was cleared to Hurstbridge as the club’s playing stocks were decimated.

Rumours swirled again this week but the club was quick to knock them on the head.

As it works to overcome financial issues and a player exodus, Jacana confirmed it will continue to field at least a EDFL Division 2 senior team in 2019.

Jacana coach Paul Houston. Picture: Rob Leeson

Paul Houston has taken over coaching duties, while Ron Bull has returned from Roxburgh Park to assist.

Long-time servant of the club Wally Rogers said the committee was working hard to create a stable Jacana on and off the field.

“The club is working hard through it,” he said.

“The club were proactive with the players because they didn’t want the clearances to close and be held to ransom when there’s no money.

“The EDFL have agreed — similar to Keilor Park — to let Jacana just play a senior side.

“Jacana put out a SOS and people they’d never even heard of registered and they got two sides on the park last week.”

Corey McCawley in action for Jacana. Picture: Rob Leeson

Rogers was disappointed some players were happy to take match payments but not support the club in return.

“Unfortunately, today it all seems to revolve around money,” he said.

“The club was focusing on projections to get them through the year but what’s happened is players haven’t supported the club through functions etc to give the club those funds.

“I think the way it’s going with AFL football at suburban level, it’s really hurting now.”

Rogers paid tribute to those that had helped keep the club open.

“This club is about community. You close the club down, there’s no other club in the postcode, where do people go?” he said.

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“Cameron Cloke could not have given any more to the club. The Cloke family has been fantastic.

“The committee is working really hard to get the club back in the black so that next year we can start again with a firmer footing.”

The Jaguars were humbled by 229 points by undefeated ladder-leaders Sunbury Kangaroos in their return to the field and face Hadfield on Saturday (after deadline).

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