SFNL: Black Rock premiership coach Ryan Handley has stepped down

While 2023 hasn’t gone to plan in terms of results, departing Black Rock coach Ryan Handley says it’s been one of his most enjoyable. Read why.

Black Rock coach Ryan Handley won’t shy away from season 2023.

In fact, he will remember it fondly.

The 2022 Division 3 premiership mentor will not seek re-appointment of the Jets in 2024 as he believes the club needs new direction.

After a mass exodus in the wake of that paralysing premiership win, the Jets were on the ropes before the season’s first siren even sounded and are yet to taste victory this season.

Handley wouldn’t change it for the world however, cherishing the bond he has created with those premiership heroes who remained.

“It’s probably not the most obvious answer – I am the most proud of this season,” he said.

“The premiership was unbelievable, the euphoria and the feeling you get from that was unbelievable but the satisfaction we got from this year is that we have all enjoyed our football.

“The boys that stuck around this year, we’re not just bonded by a premiership success but something deeper.

“Eight or nine of us stuck around, to be able to look each other in the eye at the end of the season and to know we haven’t turned our feet up, backed each other in, I think that gives us the most satisfaction.

“The premiership galvanises us all but I think this year just further enhances that it’s not just about playing for flags, it’s about the journey and upon reflection you can see and appreciate that.”

Ryan Handley delivers a speech to his players. Picture: valeriu. Campan

Byron Wright celebrates his silverware-sealing goal under Handley in 2022. Photo: Shannon Meehan.

He said the decision wasn’t one made with any bitterness as it was decided in the early stages of the season.

“The decision was made well into the season infancy, but to be honest, it’s just a matter of fresh personnel, fresh voice and some new direction,” he said.

“I think I have had four years at the helm, to not seek re-appointment I think is for the betterment of the club.

“The way we have gone this season and the way we have begun to rebuild has been extremely positive, no one was pushed, there was no animosity, it was purely and simply my decision.

“I just need to channel my energy into some other areas of my life, family, new business has opened up, I think it’s a good opportunity for the club to progress with a fresh voice after four years.”

Handley will look to remain a player and is looking forward to someone new taking on the role.

“We will more than likely go down to Division 3, that mountain I have already climbed. I think for someone to experience the satisfaction of doing it their way and then start the next phase and chapter to sustainability, I think that’s the direction that’s needed,” he said.