Outer East league: Monbulk signs Matt Cunningham as its new senior coach

Monbulk has appointed a former EFL premiership player who boasts VFL and interstate coaching experience. And he promises one thing for sure.

New Monbulk senior coach Matt Cunningham with his daughter Indy. Picture: Facebook

His coaching journey began in Cairns.

Twelve years and may miles later, Matt Cunningham has arrived at Monbulk, as senior coach.

He was only 21 when he co-coached Centrals Trinity Beach in 2011.

Now 33, father-of-one Cunningham is excited to be back in charge of his own team after a string of assistant roles in various competitons.

He played Bayswater’s 2016 EFL premiership and had stints as a strength and conditioning coach at VFL club Port Melbourne as well as Olinda Ferny Creek and Heathmont.

“I guess I’ve been building towards this with a few breaks in between,” Cunningham said.

“I’m just really passionate about football and wanted to get into coaching my own team.

“I’m looking forward to a new challenge and a bit more responsibility now.”

Matt Cunningham (left) back in his playing days with Centrals Trinity Beach in Cairns.

Cunningham replaces ex-AFL player Andrew Williams who coached Monbulk for four seasons.

The Hawks have been on the outskirts of finals in the past two seasons in Outer East league’s Premier division.

Cunningham says growth and development are his main aims.

“The club speaks really highly of where their young list is at and I’ve got a lot of good feedback from people I know from the area saying that the club’s in a really strong position in terms of the youth and talent that’s coming through,” he said.

Monbulk has a talented young list. Picture: Facebook

With a background in strength and conditioning, Cunningham promises one thing: Monbulk will be hard fit come Round 1 of the 2024 season.

“That’s definitely something that we’ll be placing a fair bit of emphasis on, getting them physically prepared for senior footy,” he said.

“If you can get that right then hopefully we can be competitive every week.”

Cunningham said he landed the Monbulk job after a series of recommendations.

His former Bayswater coach Paul McCormack put in a good word for him.

Now he’s bursting to get started.

“It’s exciting and I’m up for the challenge,” he said.

Cunningham said the club would look to recruit some “more mature players to put around some of our youngsters’’.