Montmorency has appointed a former AFLW coach and VFL assistant to lead club

Montmorency’s new coach comes with an impressive resume, crossing from Williamstown VFL, having previously coached Carlton’s AFLW side.

Nick Rutley during his time as Heathmont coach. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Montmorency’s new coach comes with an impressive resume.

Nick Rutley will lead the NFNL Division 1 power in 2024, stepping into the Magpies’ top job after serving as assistant coach at VFL power Williamstown this season.

The experienced mentor was an assistant in Carlton’s AFLW program, serving as head coach for two games in 2018, and North Melbourne before coaching Eastern league club Heathmont for two years.

He guided Wandin to an Outer East league premiership and has also worked at Calder Cannons, Eastern Ranges, Dandenong Stingrays, Casey Demons and Box Hill.

Rutley takes the reins at Montmorency Park from Jono Manzoney.

Magpies president Greg Bowman said the whole package was impressive.

“Nick’s CV read very well, he’s got lots of experience at higher levels,” Bowman said.

“We think that’s the right fit for us and our group and the footy we want to play.

“Absolutely, his development background was a big positive given our junior pathway.

“The whole package, he’s also coached his own team at senior level, he’s got so many strings to his bow.

“He really impressed us in the interviews with his enthusiasm for the role, his willingness for the challenge and understanding of where we’re at.”

Montmorency produced an impressive 2023 campaign, finishing second in the home-and-away season, and the only team to defeat eventual premier Heidelberg.

However, the Magpies crashed out of the finals in straight sets.

Rutley will have some impressive talent at his disposal, including Division 1 Coaches’ MVP and Rosbrook Medal runner-up Marcus Lentini.

Ruckman Liam Wale-Buxton finished second in Coaches’ MVP and third in the league best-and-fairest, while co-captain Sam Binion was third in the MVP voting.

DIV 1: WEST PRESTON LANDS LOCAL FOOTY COACHING GREAT

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

DIV 2: SOUTH MORANG LANDS MVP RECRUITING COUP

Patrick Fitzgerald booted 72 goals to win back-to-back league goalkicking awards and all four were named in the Team of the Year.

Wale-Buxton has since departed for Mornington Peninsula club Sorrento but former AFL big man Jake Spencer is expected to return from a knee injury suffered in Round 5.

Club best-and-fairest winner Binion and fellow captain Stef Uzelac, Lentini and Corey Sleep have all re-signed for 2024.

Darren Kane has been appointed as football operations director.