MPNFL 2020: Hastings coach Ricky Ferraro steps aside
Hastings is on the hunt for a new coach after Ricky Ferraro’s decision to end his time at the club. He’s keen to continue his career elsewhere next season.
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Ricky Ferraro says it was “the right time’’ to call it quits at Hastings.
The 30-year-old informed the Blues last week of his decision to step down as coach and depart the club.
This would have been his third season at the helm.
“I’ve decided to step away from the footy club,’’ Ferraro said.
“I’ve been there for three years and I sort of believe that a coach should be there for three, four years max.
“I was looking at potentially pulling the pin at the end of this year anyway.
“I just felt it was the right time for me and my family, and also for the playing group as well. The past few years have been challenging on and off the field for the footy club.’’
Ferraro said he hoped to coach somewhere next season but, regardless, he would “definitely’’ continue his playing career.
“I think if the right coaching opportunity came I’d definitely love the opportunity to present for it,’’ he said.
“But if it’s a club I’m not passionate about and I don’t have much interest in, with all due respect, I don’t think I’d waste their time.
“I’m okay with the fact that potentially I might not get an opportunity to coach next year. I think I’ve still got good footy left in me…I’d definitely look at playing somewhere.’’
Ferraro started his career at Edi-Asp, went through the Stingrays TAC Cup system and played five seasons in the VFL with Sandringham and Collingwood.
He then played with Bonbeach before a stint with Hepburn in the Central Highlands where his dad played.
Ferraro joined Hastings in 2017 as a player and took on the coaching job a year later, replacing Brendan Dunne.
Hastings president John Coventry said it was sad to lose Ferraro.
“Rick’s a great person and a great coach,’’ Coventry said.
“And he’s great for the club and for the younger kids.
“I told him he was more than welcome to stay with the club but he felt it was time to move on and he goes with our blessing. He did a fantastic job at Hastings.’’
Coventry said Hastings was hunting for “the best available’’ new coach.
“We’re open to everything,’’ he said.
“Whether that be a new coach or an experienced coach, or a playing coach – we’ll go after the best available.
“We’d like to get it done as soon as we can. We are in the throws of planning for next season, we’re not going to let the grass grow under our feet. We are always out there looking and planning and moving forward.’’
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