MPNFL: Tyabb boosts football department for season 2023

A former VFL player has joined Tyabb’s football department, while senior coach Anthony Agius outlines what the club needs going forward.

Tyabb coach Anthony Agius says the Yabbies need to recruit well. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Tyabb has quickly turned its attention to season 2023.

Just days after the 2022 home and away season finished, the Yabbies have made two key additions to their football department.

Senior player Corey Buchan will step up to be an assistant coach, the former Frankston Dolphins VFL defender taking on a leadership role after returning to the club this year.

“Corey has been a huge asset on field this season and we look forward to him stepping up into this role,” the club said in a statement.

Off field, Tyabb has locked in Jack Doman as new football manager.

“Jack has the passion and enthusiasm to help our coaches and playing group evolve and succeed in 2023,” the club said.

Anthony Agius is continuing in the role as senior coach, and Matt Haverfield as assistant coach.

“These two have put in so much work this season and have the full respect of the players and supporters of our club,” the club said.

Tyabb coach Anthony Agius (left) with Corey Buchan and Jack Doman. Picture: Facebook

Tyabb made strides forward this season under Agius.

The Yabbies won two games, both against Crib Point, and were competitive against most other teams.

Young co-captain Will Hose continued his emergence as a star of the comp, while Ethan Rahilly, Brad Williams, Buchan, Jon Watson, Brock Regan and Matt McLennan were consistent performers.

Tyabb’s Will Hose goes up in the ruck. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Tyabb’s final round game against Langwarrin last Saturday was abandoned because of lightning, the two points they gained lifting them off the bottom of the ladder and thus avoiding the wooden spoon. That went to Crib Point.

“Obviously it’s good to get off the bottom of the ladder, but it’s not the way you want to do it,” Agius said.

Tyabb and Langwarrin were players were on the ground ready to play when three cracks of lightning saw the umpires call the game off.

“All year I was looking forward to playing Langwarrin just to see how far behind we are, so to speak, and we didn’t get to play them,” Agius said.

“Obviously it’s totally out of our control.”

Agius says the Yabbies are headed in the right direction and, with smart recruiting, can climb the ladder next year.

“The positive for us is that all the players are back next year,” he said.

“We’ve just got to and bring in a few players…hopefully we can encourage some good players to hop on board.”