Josh Pound expects to depart Woodend-Hesket after guiding Hawks to grand final

Woodend-Hesket coach Josh Pound is confident the Hawks are set up for future success following its grand final defeat, which was likely his last game for the club.

Woodend-Hesket coach Josh Pound. Picture: Hamish Blair

Woodend-Hesket’s grand final loss is set to be coach Josh Pound’s last for the club.

The respected mentor will step down from the Hawks’ top job due to work and travel commitments.

Pound guided Woodend-Hesket to its Riddell District first grand final in 16 years this season but Diggers Rest proved too strong on Saturday, claiming a 43-point win at Romsey Park.

Pound said the overwhelming emotion after Saturday’s loss was pride.

“The season as a whole, it’s just pride,” Pound said.

Woodend-Hesket coach Josh Pound takes mark. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It’s obviously been a tumultuous month and few weeks particularly for the club and community.

“To be able to get into the grand final is a huge achievement after missing finals last year, so definitely proud of the group but at the same time, of course, disappointed we couldn’t compete more on the weekend.

“Maybe we were a tad drained physically and emotionally but every shot we fired they had answers for it, it was as simple as that.

“It was great to celebrate the netball premiership, the girls were able to win in overtime.

“The festivities were bitter-sweet but it was great to get around them and celebrate their successes this year, they deserved it.”

Pound arrived in 2021 after a decorated career with Essendon District power Aberfeldie.

After a season as a player only, Pound took the Woodend-Hesket coaching reins last season and departs with a 21-14 record.

As a player he finishes 2023 with 30 goals in 18 appearances.

A move out of the area and growing work commitments mean he’s unlikely to coach anywhere in 2024.

“Unfortunately, I’ve moved to Barwon Heads and travelling every second week interstate for work, I’ve had to put off a fair bit in the last month to give the coaching stuff the time it needs,” Pound said.

“The career needs to take priority now.

“I definitely feel proud leaving the place in better shape than what it was when I got there and there’s a launching pad for the next person to come along and hopefully go one better.”

Tayte Pears was Woodend-Hesket’s best in the grand final defeat, along with young gun Harley Giddings and star ruckman Tim Martin.

Co-captain Tom Gawthrop returned from injury and booted four goals, while Pound and Daniel Davie kicked two apiece.

Daniel Toman produced an outstanding season in his return to the club and will enter the Bowen Medal count as one of the favourites.

The Hawks boast some of the best young talent in the competition, led by Tobi Duff-Tytler, Ollie Watts, Xavier Tadd and Giddings.

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“It’s quite sad some of that young talent wasn’t able to be a part of our game on the weekend but the club is in a really good position,” Pound said.

“Guys like Ryley Ferguson, Ollie Watt, Caelan Templeton, I think we had eight under-19s play with us this year.

“There’s a good core group of Woodend juniors that have come through and still in that 20-25 age group, like Harley Giddings and Tyson Chapman.

“I’m really confident the club can continue to be a strong force for the coming years.”