John Meesen takes on assistant coaching role with Collegians
Bellarine league medal winner and Modewarre premiership co-coach John Meesen is on the move, linking with a VAFA Premier division club in an assistant coaching role.
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Bellarine league medal winner and Modewarre premiership co-coach John Meesen is leaving the Warriors to take a VAFA assistant coaching role under former Melbourne teammate Jared Rivers.
Meesen, 34, informed Modewarre on Thursday he would be joining Collegians for the 2021 campaign.
The ruckman claimed last year’s Bellarine best-and-fairest in a tie with Torquay mentor Dom Gleeson and was co-coach of the Warriors’ 2018 flag in his first season back at his junior club.
He stepped aside from the co-coaching role at the end of last year.
“Leaving Balwyn and joining up with Modda was a big commitment jumping into co-coaching with Josh (Finch),” Meesen said.
“The stars kind of aligned and to win a premiership is something that was a goal but it probably wasn’t expected.
“Looking back now, I’ve played football all over the country but certainly that’s the closest to my heart.”
Meesen said the commute from Melbourne was too hard for him to commit to a third season.
“I live in Melbourne and the travel down to Geelong with a young family and a business is too much to commit to,” he said.
“It’s a good step to still stay involved in a strong club that’s 10 minutes from home.
“I spoke to (football director) Mick Fitzgerald and (coach) Chris Hickey yesterday and also let my mate Josh Finch know as well that it’s not a good call to make because it’s a club that’s meant so much to me for so long.
“They all completely understood. Given I’ll be 35 next year and with a young family, it’s something I needed to do for myself.
“If I lived in Geelong, it wouldn’t even be a consideration — I’d stay there as long as I could.”
Meesen and former Geelong defender Rivers had three years together at Melbourne and remain good mates.
Rivers was appointed coach of the Premier division club in August.
Meesen said he would weigh up if he continues playing.
“It’s a step up from BFL. It’s a very, very good standard. I think it’s the best footy program outside of the VFL,” he said.
“I wouldn’t commit either way. I’ll do some trainings and see how I go.”
Originally published as John Meesen takes on assistant coaching role with Collegians