North Heidelberg announces Jason Heatley resignation, confirms new coach for 2025

Local footy coaching great Jason Heatley will step down at North Heidelberg at season’s end with the Bulldogs already locking in his successor for 2025.

North Heidelberg coach Jason Heatley. Picture: Josh Chadwick

North Heidelberg is hoping to send Jason Heatley out on a premiership note.

The Bulldogs have confirmed the ex-AFL star and local footy coaching great will step down at season’s end.

Heatley has spent five seasons in charge at Shelley Street, taking over before the cancelled 2020 season, and has it primed for a flag tilt this year.

North sits second on the NFNL Division 1 ladder and looms as the main challenger to Heidelberg’s crown.

The Heatley name is synonymous at North Heidelberg, Jason winning two league goalkicking awards 10 years apart – booting 118 in 1992 before embarking on his AFL career and returning to kick 110 in 2001.

He was also a member of the 2005 Division 1 premiership and now his son Parker lead the league goalkicking this season.

Bulldogs president Warren Haysom said Heatley’s impact would be felt for years to come.

“Jason’s resignation will come as no surprise to the Bulldogs faithful, he spoke to the playing list and inner sanctum of the club back in May of his intention to finish after five years as a leader of the NHSC,” Haysom wrote on the club’s Facebook page.

“Jason has been the ultra professional since returning to the club in 2020, a season that did not eventuate.

“With no football it was put to good use in building the foundations of developing the senior list in conjunction with strengthening our under-19 program that is reaping the benefits in recent seasons.

“His efforts and off-field commitment to the club cannot be questioned and for myself as president over the journey it has been a delight to work with the big fella particularly in times of change with the extra challenges that have occurred with local football post covid.

“With the senior side currently in second position, Jason has the ‘fire in the belly’ that we hope will take us deep into the Division 1 NFNL final series.”

In confirming Heatley’s departure, North Heidelberg also confirmed his successor.

Assistant coach Kasey Duncan will take the reins in 2025.

The respected was senior coach at Kyabram District club Avenel before moving south and arriving at Shelley Reserve.

Haysom had no doubt he would continue Heatley’s good work.

“One door closes and another one opens where we are delighted to announce the appointment of Kasey Duncan as NHSC senior coach for an initial period of two years for seasons 2025 and 2026,” he said.

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“Kasey has been an integral part of our senior coaching panel since coming to the club in 2023.

“He was elevated to assistant coach this season with a real feel for the game and has impressed with his knowledge and communication skills and developing the playing list with an eye to the future.

“Having coached his own side previously, Kasey also brings a work ethic and passion that has impressed those working with him that identified he was the ideal candidate to lead the Bulldogs in the immediate years ahead.”

North Heidelberg finishes the home-and-away season with clashes against top-five rivals Hurstbridge and Banyule.