MPFNL 2023: Josh Newman relishing life as coach of Mornington

The former Dolphins VFL captain talks about coaching Mornington, ankle surgery and names the Bulldogs to watch in 2023.

Josh Newman will lead Mornington in 2023. Picture Al Dillon

Josh Newman is loving being a senior coach.

The former Frankston captain, who retired from the VFL last year, is calling the shots as playing-coach of Mornington in the MPFNL.

The Bulldogs have been averaging between 60 and 70 on the training track in the lead up to the 2023 season.

Newman has plenty on his plate, overseeing training while also focusing on his own fitness after recovering from ankle surgery in November.

He says been he’s invigorated by the young talent at the club.

“I’ve been blown away with the young guys and how quickly they’ve come along,” Newman says.

“There’s heaps to work with and we’re going to have a lot of depth I think. Yeah, it’s exciting.”

Josh Newman of Frankston FC and Peter McEvoy of Coburg FC last season. Picture: David Caird

After a decade in the VFL, Newman says “it is different” returning to local level.

“I love the community feel of a local club and how invested everyone is and the support,” he says.

“The Mornington footy club has been unbelievable, the support they’ve provided, they’re really backing in the coaches in the footy program, making sure we have everything we need to succeed this year which makes my job a whole lot easier.

“To have someone like Leigh McQuillen, who’s my senior assistant, has just made the job so much easier to bounce ideas off someone who has been a senior coach in his own right.

“We’ve got some great line coaches in Mitch Walsh and Chris Holcombe, who’s also been a coach of Mornington before…we’ve got plenty of good footy minds around us that have made my job a bit easier.”

Newman says his ankle has responded well after rehab from surgery and he will play in Mornington’s first practice match this Saturday against Beaconsfield, at Holm Park, Beaconsfield.

“I’m well and truly ready to go, there’s no issues there whatsoever,’’ he says.

“I’ll be totally fine.

“I’ve never had a real serious injury or serious surgery before so you never know how your body is going to respond…but I’ve been really surprised with how quick I’ve been able to bounce back.”

Matthew Caine.

Jake Smart.

Mornington has regained key forward Jackson Calder as well as Jake Smart the Bird twins.

He says experienced men Adrian Speedy and Lachlan Susovich have “already gone to another level with the motivation and energy of the young guys”.

Newman believes the Bulldogs youngsters will step up this season, and fans will enjoy watching them.

“Fellas like Gussy Rowler, Matt Caine I think those boys will take their game to the next level this year wth some slight role changes,” he said.

“Young Tim Susovich hasn’t played for a couple of years…he’s got himself in unbelievable nick, he’s fit and firing and he’s been a bit of a livewire at training, he’s probably been the surprise package of the pre season.

Jackson Calder celebrates a goal for St Mary's. Picture: Celina Whan / AFLNTMedia.

“In match sim there’s a different young guy who pops up every week…it’s going to be one of those years.

“Our depth is going to be our strength, a lot of guys could have break-out years but I think everyone is going to play an important role but they’re going to have to know their role.

“We’ll be playing good team footy.”

Mornington, which finished in seventh spot (8-10) in 2022, hosts last season’s grand finalists Karingal in the season opener on April 1.

“I’m glad we’re playing Karingal,’’ Newman said.

“We will get a pretty quick bit of feedback where we are at after playing Karingal, they’re obviously a super wide with mature bodies and they’ve added some great recruits as well so they’ll be strong.

“It will be a great test for us…it will be a great learning experience either way I think for us early.’’