Fitzroy Stars appoint Neville Jetta as coach for 2025 NFNL Division 3 season

Following the disappointment of grand final defeat, Fitzroy Stars have received a massive boost with the appointment of Neville Jetta as coach for 2025.

Neville Jetta in action for Fitzroy. Picture: Josh Chadwick

Fitzroy Stars has a new leader.

Former Melbourne star Neville Jetta has been appointed coach for the 2025 NFNL Division 3 season.

After the disappointment of last month’s grand final loss, it’s a significant boost for the club as it looks to go one step further next year.

Jetta takes the reins from Northern league and club legend Lionel Proctor.

He’ll bring elite level experience as a development coach at Collingwood, where he was part of the 2023 AFL premiership.

The 159 AFL-game star, Jim Stynes Community Award winner and Australia International Rules representative arrived at Sir Doug Nicholls Oval this season from Division 1 club Bundoora.

He played a key role in helping the Stars reach their first grand final since 2014.

Stars’ football operations manager Luke McKeown said it was a signficant moment for the club.

“He came down out of the goodness of his heart last year and gave us a bit of guideness on where we need to be,” McKeown said.

“He worked well with Lionel Proctor, which was exciting.

“Neville, when he talks people listen, he’s a big reason why we’ve been about to lock away 95 per cent of our playing group.

“He brings a new level of coaching and all the boys respect him, from the top tier players to the guys trying to break in to the seniors.

“We’ve locked away a ruckman that we’ve desired for a long time (Brock Carter) and Ethan Penrith, he and Nev have a great relationship, and he’ll bring another element of leadership.”

Ethan Penrith in action for Fitzroy Stars. Picture: Josie Hayden

Fitzroy has secured WAFL ruckman Brock Carter and former VFL-listed star Ethan Penrith in two huge recruiting coups.

The club has several interviews lined up with more prospective players in the next fortnight.

While the club has locked up big names Patrick Farrant, Jai Burns, Kain Proctor, best-and-fairest winner Allan Norris, Tyson Pickett and Alex Williamson.

Carter stands at 204cm and arrives at Sir Doug Nicholls Oval from West Perth where he played 12 senior matches this season - averaging 7.8 disposals and an incredible 32 hitouts.

The big man has previously spent time at SANFL club Glenelg too.

“Brock is originally from Portland, Ethan kind of led us down that track,” McKeown revealed.

“He’s played up in Cairns, Darwin, WA and South Australia, he’s done everything, and he’s going to fit perfectly into our club.

“He’s a giant but has a heart of gold, he’s a genuine good bloke, and he’s looking forward to playing with the midfield we’ve built.”

McKeown said Jetta’s decision to coach and the two early recruiting moves was a sign the club was now a destination club.

It’s a long way from the one-win 2021 and winless 2022 campaigns that saw the club drop back to Division 3.

The Stars soared up the ladder this season, winning their first minor premiership since 1992, before falling short in the decider against Old Paradians.

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“Going through COVID, we hit rock bottom and the club went through a rebuild,” McKeown said.

“Our club has grown immensely through football, netball and juniors, we’ve got nearly 100 kids playing at junior level.

“We’ve grown pretty big in the last few years and 2025 is going to look the same and we’re excited to see the Stars transform into a desired destination club.”

Jetta is the final piece in the NFNL coaching puzzle after Banyule locked in Damian Truslove and St Mary’s promoted Jack Bianchin in recent weeks.