Southern league contender Black Rock has parted ways with its recently-appointed coach

A Southern league contender will search for a new coach after the sudden departure of its recently-appointed mentor. Here are the details.

Ryan Hoy speaks to the Black Rock players. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Black Rock and recently-appointed coach Ryan Hoy have parted ways just five games into the season.

Hoy replaced premiership mentor Ryan Handley this off-season after stints at Melton South and St Kilda City.

Club president Andrew Ferguson said the decision was due to “a change in personal circumstances”.

“Everyone he brought in is hanging around, we’ve had a really strong start to the season, we will continue to execute and develop our football plan regardless,” Ferguson said.

The Jets are currently in fourth position on the Southern league Division 3 ladder with a 3-2 record.

One of the Jets’ three victories in 2024 was a brilliant come-from-behind victory over Lyndhurst, where they stormed back from a four-goal three-quarter time deficit.

Ryan Hoy addresses the Black Rock players. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Speaking to this masthead in the pre-season, Hoy detailed his enthusiasm towards the Jets.

“Our main focus has been fitness and introducing a new structure, a game plan and implementing a Division 2 mindset on and off the field,” Hoy said in March.

“Black Rock seems to be a destination club, once you walk in, it’s hard to walk away from — the club sells itself — hence a lot of ins and not many outs.

“I reckon we’ll play some good football but we want to build towards being a competitive Division 2 side, so it’s about getting a lot of those basic fundamentals right to launch in and stay in.”

Black Rock takes on Heatherton this Saturday.