Macleod locks in its new coach for 2022 NFL Division 1 season

Macleod has turned to an old rival to lead it into the 2022 NFL Division 1 season after parting ways with Christian Stagliano last month.

Nick Lynch and Craig Hayes appointed at Macleod.

Macleod has turned to an old rival to lead the club in 2022.

Craig Hayes won the Kangas coaching race, returning to the Northern Football League after a two-year break.

Hayes previously coached Eltham against Macleod in the NFL’s top flight, finishing with a 2-2 record with both losses by just one point..

He led the Panthers to a 33-year drought-breaking finals campaign in 2010, coached then-VAFA club Banyule and most recently Division 2 side Diamond Creek.

Hayes coached the Creekers to finals in two of five seasons, reaching the 2017 Division 2 grand final where they fell to North Heidelberg.

Macleod president Steve Doherty was thrilled to secure Hayes’ services.

“I think he’ll be super, just his communication and leadership skill have him well placed to take the club forward,” Doherty said.

“We had some quality applicants from a variety of football backgrounds and experiences and that gave us confidence we were well placed to find the right coach to take us forward.

“Going through the interview process, we knew a lot about Hayesy to start with, he’s had about 20 years of coaching experience.

“I think his standing within the competition and football community is very high, his references were glowing – there wasn’t a club that didn’t speak highly of him.”

Hayes takes the reins at DeWinton Park from Christian Stagliano, who departed last month after two seasons at the helm.

Macleod finished seventh this season, winning five games in a COVID-shortened 12-game season.

The Kangas hope Hayes can lead them back to finals for the first time since the 2018 Division 1 grand final.

Craig Hayes during this time at Diamond Creek. Picture: Steve Tanner

Doherty said the club had gained a lot from a post-season review and was better placed to attack the 2022 pre-season.

“We’re re-establishing ourselves now, we’ve done a total review of the club and realised where our deficiencies are,” he said.

“One of those was getting a conditioning coach, a lot of our form in 2019 and 2021 was on the basis of having too many injuries, so maybe we weren’t ready to play.

“It’s about putting some assistance around the coach because the job is bigger than having the coach do everything now.”

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Macleod life member Nick Lynch will serve as Hayes’ senior assistant, returning to the club after taking the 2021 season off.

“Craig was big on wanting a Macleod assistant coach, he said your own people are very important,” Doherty said.

“Nick Lynch put his hand up, he’s a player life member, he was a playing assistant coach under Garry Ramsay for four years and his football IQ is outstanding.

“At their first meeting they bounced off each other beautifully, so I think it’s a good set-up.”