Local footy: Will former Deer Park mentor Marc Bullen coach on in 2021?
Marc Bullen stepped aside at Deer Park earlier this year after establishing himself as one of the leading coaches in local football. But could he be calling the shots at another club next season?
Local Footy
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Decorated coach Marc Bullen is strongly considering the prospect of leading another local club in 2021.
The former Essendon player stepped down from the top job at Western Region Football League outfit Deer Park in July, ending the most successful union in suburban football history.
Bullen steered the Lions to seven consecutive Division 1 premierships – a record in metropolitan football – to establish himself as one of the leading coaches in the local ranks.
He left Deer Park with an undeniable record of accomplishment, leading the club to 120 wins from 140 games in charge.
It is understood Bullen is assessing several offers across different competitions to coach next year.
Bullen, who has four young children, said in July that family and work commitments were factors in his decision to walk away from the Lions.
Keen to dedicate more time to other areas of his life, he is yet to decide if he will pursue a coaching role.
But he remains passionate about coaching and it comes as little surprise that he has attracted interest from several clubs after lifting Deer Park from a sixth-placed finish in 2012 to the WRFL’s most powerful club.
The Lions maintained their dominance under Bullen despite statewide equalisation measures such as player points and salary cap.
Bullen was a member of back-to-back premiership teams with Silvan and Maribyrnong Park before arriving at Deer Park, while he also had a stint with his junior club Congupna
WRFL club Sunshine is on the hunt for a new mentor, while Newport and North Footscray have left their positions open while not ruling out reappointing their 2020 coaches.
EDFL sides Greenvale and Rupertswood also have vacancies.
Bullen lives in Gisborne, so vacancies at Kyneton (Bendigo league) and Romsey (Riddell District league) could also appeal.
“Marc has been and is a fantastic football coach but a fantastic football person as well,” Deer Park president Matthew Pratt said earlier this year.
“We’re extremely sad to lose him but also totally understand that he’s indicated he’s weighing up the work-life balance side of things and family and also potentially looking at a new challenge.
“He hasn’t ruled out coaching next season and he has our blessing. We wish him all the best.”
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