MPNFL: Bonbeach puts together coaching shortlist

Bonbeach is getting closer to appointing a senior coach after speaking to well credentialed candidates with AFL and VFL experience. Another MPNFL club, Hastings, is also on the hunt for a new coach.

Bonbeach champ Shane McDonald breaks from a pack last season. Picture: Hamish Blair

It’s regarded as one of the best coaching jobs in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League.

Bonbeach’s vacant senior coaching position has attracted “plenty of interest’’, according to club president Matt Lowe.

“It’s been a good process, we’ve had to work through a number of footy resumes and follow up a number of references,’’ he said.

“We’d like to have it wrapped up by the end of next week.’’

Bonbeach’s search for a new coach ramps up today when the Sharks begin conducting interviews.

Applications closed on Monday and a coaching shortlist was finalised last night.

Lowe confirmed the club had spoken to candidates with AFL experience.

“Of course, we’ve approached some of those names (with AFL experience), for sure, as every good club would do,’’ he said.

Competition for coaching positions in the community football ranks is hotter than ever.

Several credentialed coaches are chasing gigs after falling out of the AFL system due to “soft-cap’’ cuts brought on by COVID-19, while others from the VFL ranks have also been left without jobs.

Bonbeach’s Trent Dennis-Lane tries to mark in front of Zac White of Frankston Bombers. Picture: Hamish Blair

Lowe said Bonbeach has done plenty of work behind the scenes, including providing each applicant with a club prospectus.

“Yeah, we’ve done a lot of work,’’ he said.

“It all gets pretty serious as from (today).’’

Meanwhile, Hastings’ search for a coach also continues.

“Our football department is leaving no stone unturned, they’re out there looking,’’ Hastings president John Coventry said.

“We’ve interviewed half a dozen or so.

“We will look for the best fit for us and if that takes a little bit longer then so be it.’’

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