Local footy: Who will be coaching your WRFL club in 2021
With the season cancelled amid the coronavirus crisis, we take a look at the state of play in the Western Region Football League’s senior coaching ranks.
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With the season canned amid the coronavirus crisis, Western Region Football League clubs have turned their attention to next year.
But who will be leading your club in 2021?
We’ve hit the phones to see where the coaches are placed for next season.
DIVISION 1
Deer Park: Deer Park is searching for a new coach after the departure of seven-time premiership winner Marc Bullen. President Matthew Pratt is confident the job will attract some high-quality candidates.
Altona: It’s not official yet, but expect Corey McCall to be in charge at Altona in 2021. McCall is yet to lead the Vikings in an official match but has impressed in the role so far, with most of the senior squad re-committed for next year.
Hoppers Crossing: Former Western Bulldogs defender Steve Kretiuk will be calling the shots again in 2021. He has completed six seasons at the helm, losing deciders to powerhouse Deer Park in 2016 and 2018, and steering the Warriors to finals in each year of his tenure.
Spotswood: JJ Liston Trophy winner Anthony Eames will be on board again next season and said he had “no hesitation” in re-signing. Eames took over in 2017.
Werribee Districts: Pen has not hit paper given the coronavirus crisis, but Tigers coach Chris Gilham has agreed to a two-year contract extension, which will take him through until the end of the 2022 campaign. Werribee Districts has been a strong performer under his watch.
St Albans: West Coast premiership player Sam Butler has re-signed for next season in a major boost for the Saints, who have not contested Division 1 finals since 2014. President James Perkin said the time had arrived to make an impact in the top flight.
Sunshine: Former AFL player Adam Contessa is staying on next year after taking over the role in 2019. He is confident of retaining the bulk of his list but ex-VFL player Fabian Brancatisano has departed.
Caroline Springs: President Terry Azzopardi said earlier this month “all indications” were pointing to coach Brodie Holland continuing in the top job. Holland took charge in 2018.
Point Cook: Co-coaches Brett Jacobs and Michael Boothey have signed on for 2021. Point Cook enjoyed a positive off-season of recruiting and loom as an improver in the top grade.
Yarraville-Seddon: The 2019 Division 2 premier is hunting a new coach after Chris Atkins stepped down because of personal reasons. The club is keen to keep him involved in another role.
DIVISION 2
Albion: The Cats are in the process of finalising James Doherty’s reappointment after he did not get a chance to lead the Division 2 outfit in what would have been his first season at the helm. President Matt Bettin said Doherty had “done a tremendous amount of work … without getting to show it on the field”.
Parkside: Playing coach Chris Muratore has re-committed in good news for the Magpies. Muratore was co-coach in 2018 before taking on the top job solo last season as the club advanced to the preliminary final.
Wyndhamvale: Chris Moreland is weighing up whether he will coach on at the Falcons in 2020, with his two-year deal expiring this year. Moreland steered Wyndhamvale to the grand final in 2019.
North Footscray: No agreement has been finalised but Damien Zanic has indicated he is keen to coach the Devils in 2021. He joined the club last August from Kyneton, where he was a senior assistant.
West Footscray: Co-coaches Shane Lucas and ex-AFL player Nick Graham remain in discussions with the club. The Roosters have been rebuilding the past four seasons after qualifying for the 2015 grand final and claimed five wins in 2019.
Glen Orden: Premiership coach Phil Crea has been reappointed for next season. He led the Hawks to the Division 3 flag in 2019, just two years after they went into recess.
Newport: Coach Ziggy Kadour will have to re-apply for the role to be in the running to continue in 2021. Newport advertises yearly in a bid to attract the best candidates.
Point Cook Centrals: Premiership coach Darren Findlay has re-signed. The club is preparing for its second season in Division 2 after winning the 2018 Division 3 flag.
DIVISION 3
Albanvale: Coach Andrew Bryson is locked in for the 2021 campaign. He returned to the Cobras in 2019 and steered them the grand final in his first season.
Braybrook: Vinnie Turcinovich signed a two-year deal when he took the job on and will be in charge in 2021. Turcinovich led Yarraville-Seddon to the 2019 Division 2 premiership before he was controversially let go.
Sunshine Heights: Damien Farnfield is yet to re-commit for 2021. He has spent two seasons at the helm, with the Heights qualifying for finals last year.
Wyndham Suns: Playing coach Dean Cachia is locked in for next season as the Suns look to climb the ladder.
Tarneit: The Titans have parted ways with Mark Elso, who took over as coach in 2016. He departs having led Tarneit to finals in each of his four seasons at the helm.
Laverton: Club stalwart Scott Mizzi, who has played more than 450 games for the Magpies, has been reappointed.
North Sunshine: Coach Ange Messina will be staying put in 2021 after taking over last October. President Robert Telfer said Messina was “very keen” to continue on.
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