Kasey Duncan discusses his plans for North Heidelberg after taking over from Jason Heatley

Kasey Duncan is a young coach on the rise and he’s looking to make his mark at North Heidelberg after taking the reins from Jason Heatley.

Kasey Duncan takes the reins at North Heidelberg.

New North Heidelberg coach Kasey Duncan learnt plenty working alongside local footy coaching great Jason Heatley.

However, don’t expect him to be a copycat as he takes the reins at Shelley Reserve.

Duncan led Kyabram District club Avenel for five years, coached the KDFNL inter-league team, and has spent time at North Melbourne VFL with club legend Brent Harvey and coach Tom Lynch.

Duncan is now looking to make his own mark on NFNL Division 1 in 2025.

The Bulldogs too will be looking to make an impact after a disappointing straight sets finals exit.

North Heidelberg captain Kyle McDonald. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I leant a lot from Jason in terms of preparing, the way he delivers messages and can control a room, I’ve got my own gameplan and way I want to go about everything,” Duncan said.

“While I’m young, this will be my eighth year of coaching and I’ve got big dreams to keep developing and moving up.

“I’m really excited by some of the kids coming through and the talent on the list, Tom Wallis, Liam Hunt, Brodie White who had a breakout year, Brock Chircop and Brodie Bell as well.

“You’ve got to be able to adapt and change and I’ve got a few different ways we’ll play and be able to switch between modes.

“I’m a self-confessed footy tragic and spend all my time on it and I’m really grateful to the club for the opportunity they’ve given me.”

North Heidelberg has some holes to fill with league leading goalkicker Parker Heatley following his father, Jason, to Wangaratta.

Jack Mapleson (Aberfeldie), Jared Crosbie (Kilmore) and Michael Florance (Kinglake) have also departed.

However, Duncan has made a strong start to the recruiting season.

Former Essendon AFL-listed and veteran state league big man Fraser Thurlow has arrived from Sydney.

The big man was named best-on-ground in North Shore’s AFL Sydney Premier Division premiership this season.

Keilor premiership player Todd Stevenson (Donald, NCFNL) and Jacob Walker (Macleod) have also come on board, while Duncan is promising more announcement in the coming weeks.

“Michael Florance was a really good servant of the club, a warrior for us, so we had to find a ruckman – which is like a needle in a haystack,” Duncan said.

“Bringing someone the quality of Fraser Thurlow across, who’s been one of the most dominant rucks in the VFL, his CV speaks for itself.

“Even with Heidelberg getting Sam Gilmore back, I think we’ll have the best ruckman in the league.

“Then Todd Stevenson has been a superstar for Keilor and down Geelong way.

“He’s a 195cm big man that can play on the footy, in the ruck or centre half-forward.

“In terms of our spine, between Adam Giobbi, Todd Stevenson, Lachie Smith and Nick Matthews, we’ve got those positions locked away and there’s a couple more (recruits) to come.”

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North Heidelberg will kick off its pre-season training next week.

Duncan is adamant the club will play its own way.

“We’re all trying to catch Heidelberg, the juggernaut that it is only seems to be getting better,” he said.

“We’ve got a big focus on being North Heidelberg and not Heidelberg, winning our way and make our club the fortress it was, clubs leaving with that kennel cough.”