Local footy: All the metropolitan senior coaching jobs up for grabs in 2024
The coaching merry-go-round has begun on Melbourne’s suburban football scene, with plenty of senior jobs available for 2024. Here are all the clubs on the hunt.
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The coaching merry-go-round has begun on Melbourne’s suburban football scene.
Several coaches will leave their post at season’s end while some have already called time, as clubs hunt their next mentor.
Here are all the available senior roles across Melbourne ...
EASTERN
COLDSTREAM: Chad Rogers’ stint of six years finished at the end of the Division 3 season. Taking over in the top job in 2018, Rogers has steered the club to three of a possible four finals campaigns - including an unbeaten season in 2021 - lifting it into Division 3.
CROYDON:Morris D’Alessandro has finished at the Division 1 outfit after six years at the helm, which included a grand final in 2019. The Blues have begun advertising for their next coach, with president Anthony Thompson declaring the club would be open to playing and non-playing options.
EAST BURWOOD: The club and senior coach David Jensen split with immediate effect less than three weeks out from the Division 2 finals. The club has begun its search for its next coach.
FOREST HILL: Justin Scicluna called it quits not long before the end of the Division 4 campaign, after first taking over in 2019. The club said it would seek a playing or non-playing coach.
NORWOOD: Marty Pask has called time on his five-year stint, with the Norsemen joining two other Premier clubs on the hunt for a new coach. Applications are to be sent to Norwood president Mark Etherington via norwood@efnl.org.au.
PARK ORCHARDS: Dennis Armfield signed off on his five-year stay at the end of the season. The former AFL Blue led the club to the top of the table in 2021 and into the league’s top-flight.
SILVAN: Premiership coach Trent Martin has stood down after six years at the helm.
SOUTH CROYDON: The Bulldogs were steered by Damien Franken for the remainder of the season, following the resignation of Marcus Buzaglo. Franken last coached the club in 2014, leading it to its first-ever top-division finals appearance in ‘13. The club has advertised the position for 2024, with expressions of interest to be sent to sthcroydon@efl.org.au
WANTIRNA SOUTH: The Devils have hit the market in search for a new coach following the shock exit of senior mentor Brett Moyle. The former AFL Saint parted ways with the club following its Round 17 loss to Bayswater. Expressions of interest to football director Rick Moloney via jingles44@hotmail.com.
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ESSENDON DISTRICT
EAST KEILOR: Ali Hamad and club president Pat Christofi are currently in the hot seat after taking over as interim coaches following the controversial departure of Rocky Iannello. It’s unclear whether the pair will remain in charge beyond the end of the 2023 season. The Cougars are currently on track to play finals footy.
ROXBURGH PARK: The Division 1 club earlier this week confirmed Michael Farrelly was standing down after six years in charge. They’ll be on the hunt for a new mentor with the Magpies currently middle of the pack.
TULLAMARINE: Sitting in the lower reaches of the ladder, the Demons currently have David Connell in charge in an interim capacity. He replaced Ben Tankard who was relieved of his duties about halfway through the season. Advertising has started for the new senior coach.
HADFIELD: After six years in the role, Brett Pitts announced the time was right to move on as senior coach at Hadfield. Although, he will remain with the Hawks as the director of senior coaching.
EAST SUNBURY: The Thunder confirmed Aaron Kite has stood down from the role. Advertisements for a new coach are yet to appear online.
HILLSIDE: The Sharks are on the lookout for a new coach after Charlie Denaro stood down after several years in charge. Applications can be sent to admin@thesharks.com.au and close on September 3.
NORTHERN
THOMASTOWN: The Bears are also chasing a third coach in two seasons after Peter Bugden decided not to continue past his first season in charge. The rigours of the job saw the former Whittlesea and Craigieburn coach pull the pin after 14 games but he will coach out the season. .
OUTER EAST
MONBULK: The Premier Division outfit is seeking expressions of interest for its senior men’s coaching position for next season. The role is currently held by former AFL Eagle and Magpie, Andrew Williams. Applications are to be sent to head of football operations Mat Mullinder via mmullinder@hotmail.com.
OLINDA-FERNY CREEK: Brendan Donovan has confirmed he will step down from the post he’s held for the past eight years at the end of this season. Donovan led the Bloods to the Division 1 senior premiership in 2017 after landing the gig in ‘15. The club currently competes in Premier Division.
WOORI YALLOCK: The Tigers have invited expressions of interest for the senior coaching position, currently held by Jack Cole. The Premier Division club is set for finals this year and is also seeking applicants for the reserves, under-19s, senior women’s and netball head coaching roles. Expressions of interest to wooriyallockfnc@outereastfn.com.au by October 31.
SOUTHERN
ST PAUL’S MCKINNON: Bulldogs’ mentor Jason Heffernan will conclude his seven-year stint at the end of the season as the club looks for a fresh voice. President Paul Commerford says the club is looking for “experience and innovation”.
BLACK ROCK: Like Heffernan, Black Rock coach Ryan Handley will stand down at the end of the season. It’s been a difficult season for the Jets but the reigning premiership coach has still enjoyed every minute.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
RYE: After a winless season in Division 2, the Demons are in the market for a coach after Stephen Ryan stepped down.
WESTERN REGION
ALTONA: The reigning premier is on the lookout for Corey McCall’s replacement after he confirmed he would stand down at the end of the season. Club president Paul Eishold said the club is looking for someone with development or VFL experience. An advertisement is yet to appear online.
TARNEIT: Brent Sheean will move on from the Titans at the end of the current season with the Division 3 club on the lookout for his replacement. Applications close on September 1.
NORTH SUNSHINE: The Roadrunners announced Max de Groot had stood down on August 21 and will soon start the process for his replacement.
VAFA
MENTONE PANTHERS: As they look to emerge from recess, the Panthers are on the lookout for coaches across the senior (men and women), reserves and under-19s. All expressions of interest close on September 23.
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