MPFNL: Rohan Bleeker appointed coach of Seaford in Division 2

Seaford has appointed a current VFL assistant and MPFNL Division 1 player as its coach for 2024. He outlines his plans.

Rohan Bleeker in action for Dromana. He is the new coach of Seaford. Picture: Hamish Blair

A five-week process has led to Seaford appointing Rohan Bleeker as its senior coach for 2024.

The 32-year-old school teacher has wasted no time getting to work, spending the past week introducing himself to Tigers players.

He wants to form strong relationships as he sets about “growing” the MPFNL Division 2 club.

“I’d like to think I’m a bit of a players coach so I’ve spent the last week reaching out to the current playing list, starting those conversations and just introducing myself,” Bleeker said.

“They love it down there. It’s a really good core group that just enjoys playing footy together.

“I think they can see the promise so I can’t really see anyone leaving.

“They just want to see growth.

“It just seems positive.”

Bleeker leads a busy life; he has a young family, an important job and dual football roles.

He is currently a defensive coach at Frankston in the VFL, while still having “a part-time kick’’ with MPFNL Division 1 front runners Dromana.

Rohan Bleeker playing for Carrum Patterson Lakes. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Bleeker has played 11 games in the seniors at Dromana this season — he recently played his 100th game for the club — and is gearing up for another finals campaign.

He played in Dromana’s 2018 and ‘19 premierships.

Bleeker says the Seaford job is “a really good fit for me” and there’s plenty to achieve. The Tigers finished in 11th spot in MPFNL Division 2 this season with a 5-13 record.

“I really like the thought of taking a team that does have a lot of young talent and building something bigger rather than maybe taking over a list that has already established some success and then trying to sustain it,” he said.

“I’d love to be a person that drives a prosperous, sustainable, successful future for a footy club, that’s for sure.”

He will get his chance at the Tigers, who were the powerhouse of the Mornington Peninsula league when Bleeker was a school student in the 2000s.

These days, Seaford has an abundance of exciting young talent in its ranks.

It also has former St Kilda star Jack Lonie, who has been brilliant this season.

Seaford’s priority will be to hold onto Lonie and Bleeker definitely wants him in his side next season.

“I can’t speak for Jack at this stage,” Bleeker said.

“I mean anything can happen. I know Jack is a very faithful person and he’s heavily involved in Seaford with his family so to see him venture elsewhere I think it would be extremely surprising.

“And the conversations I’ve had with him he just wants to see Seaford get back to where it’s supposed to be. He’s excited for growth, he wants to see success.”

Bleeker said he was undecided if he would be a playing-coach at Seaford.

“I’ll do a pre season with the boys and get involved,’’ he said.

“If I feel like I’m going to contribute then I’ll play. If I feel like it’s better to stay coaching and do it that way then that’s what I’ll do. It’s probably going to have to be a calculated decision.”

Bleeker also coached Carrum Patterson Lakes in Southern league.

He played for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup and for Frankston YCW, and also played with Frankston Dolphins.