VAFA: Michael Pisker named as St Kevin’s assistant coach
A local footballer who was forced to retire after horror eye and head injuries and was placed in an induced coma is set to make an emotional return to his beloved club in a coaching role less than 18 months after the incident.
A local footballer who was forced to retire after horror eye and head injuries and was placed in an induced coma is set to make an emotional return to his beloved club in a coaching role.
Michael Pisker has been confirmed as an assistant coach for St Kevin’s Old Boys’ reserves side in 2026 less than 18 months after the horror incident.
In July 2024, Pisker suffered the injuries which left him without sight in his right eye and placed in an induced coma for 17 days after the freak and accidental collision.
In a Victorian Amateur Football Association Premier Men’s game against University Blues, played in wet and wild conditions, Pisker slid for a mark and collided with the legs of his opponent.
SKOB named its Most Courageous Award after Pisker in October 2024.
A club statement on Friday morning said Pisker’s appointment headlines a “comprehensive coaching restructure that blends experience with fresh talent, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 campaign”.
“I am absolutely thrilled to return to the club in a coaching capacity and can’t wait to work with the reserves squad to help unlock their potential in 2026,” Pisker said.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to again thank both SKOBFC and the wider VAFA community for their incredible support, generosity and heartfelt well wishes throughout my recovery.
“This club has been incredibly supportive through the toughest period of my life.”
SKOB also confirmed Anthony Lynch would remain in charge of the senior side for a fifth straight season. He has been joined by Luke Mahoney, a SKOB premiership skipper, as an assistant coach and chairman of selectors.
Jarrad Morrison and Jono O’Rourke remain as assistant coaches while Andy Clough has been promoted into the group from the development side.
“I am genuinely excited to lead this refreshed coaching group that combines extensive experience with emerging talent,” Lynch said.
What attracted popular local footy coach to VAFA club
Glen Eira/Old McKinnon has a habit of appointing successful coaches and their new man is no different.
The highly experienced and popular Brett Dunne has been named as the Gryphons senior mentor for 2026. He replaces Guy Martyn who has taken on the top job at Old Haileybury in the VAFA’s top flight.
Dunne is highly popular in footy circles and has senior coaching experience in the Eastern and Mornington Peninsula competitions.
In 2025, he was an assistant coach at Devon Meadows as it won its first senior flag in history.
Dunne also has VAFA experience having been a director of coaching at Old Peninsula, who will be a Premier C rival after the Pirates won the flag in Division 1 to earn promotion.
Coming to his new club, Dunne said he was immediately impressed by what the Gryphons had to offer.
“They’re very realistic and grounded people,” he said.
“We had a few meetings along the way and my confidence grew it what I might be able to do every time I walked away from one of those meetings.
“The last couple of years for the club has been about consolidating itself in C-grade and continuing to improve. The leaders were really quite clear on what the top sides were doing and how we might be able to counteract that and improve our own game.
“The club has a really strong women’s program and it looks like we’ll have an under-19s team as well. Those two elements make for a strong club and it’s something I was attracted to.”
Dunne said he is determined to hit the ground running with an opportunity to meet the players and supporters at a club function on Friday.
“I’m really excited,” he said.
“I saw it as an opportunity to coach in my own right and I’m looking forward to helping the club continue to grow.”
Glen-Eira finished the 2025 season sixth on the ladder with a 7-11 record.
The Gryphons had previously confirmed the reappointment of back-to-back premiership coach Mel Kuys as the mentor of the women’s team for season 2026.
Every signing from across the VAFA divisions
