MPNFL: Hastings hunts for a new coach, contacts SFL premiership coach
Hastings has contacted a dual SFL premiership coach as it expands its hunt for a new coach to take charge for the 2021 Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League season.
Local Footy
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Hastings has ramped up its search for a new coach, with the Blues making contact with a Southern Football League premiership coach.
Ben Murphy, who guided East Brighton to two premierships and also coached Seaford, took a call from the Blues on Tuesday, but it’s understood he declined an invitation to interview.
Hastings is in the market for a new coach after Ricky Ferraro stepped down.
It’s believed Pines assistant coach and former Cranbourne reserves premiership coach Ben Corrie is also on Hastings’ radar.
Pines senior coach Paddy Swayn endorsed Corrie as a readymade senior coach.
Hastings president John Coventry said he wanted to make a coaching appointment “as soon as we can’’.
“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.’’
Ferraro said 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 just felt it was the right time for me and my family, and also for the playing group as well,’’ he said.
“The past few years have been challenging on and off the field for the footy club.’’
Hastings won the MPNFL Nepean flag in 2016 but has only made one finals appearance since.
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