VFL: Brodie Holland named Northern Bullants coach, Taylor Whitford to lead Casey

Caroline Springs is on the lookout for a new coach after Brodie Holland landed the top job at a VFL club while an Altona star is taking over at Casey.

WRFL Football : Caroline Springs v Altona at Taylors Run Oval. 9th July 2022. Caroline Springs seniorÕs coach Brodie Holland. Picture : George Salpigtidis

Brodie Holland is taking the next step in his coaching journey.

The former AFL player is set to be named as the Northern Bullants VFL coach as he prepares to step away from local footy.

Holland’s now former side, Western Region Football League club Caroline Springs, confirmed the news in a social media post on Friday night.

“Caroline Springs Football Club would like to congratulate Brodie Holland on his appointment to senior coach for the Northern Bullants VFL team,” club president Terry Azzopardi said.

“Brodie commenced with Caroline Springs in 2018 and over the last five (sic) years has worked diligently to build a side that is now ultra-competitive and pressing for the ultimate success in the premier division of the Western Region Football League.

“We would sincerely like to thank Brodie for his time with us and his commitment to the role, and our club, and wish him every success as he makes the step up from local football into the VFL.”

Holland’s appointment will see him replace former Bullants mentor Ben Hart who recently accepted a role with the GWS Giants in the AFL.

Brodie Holland has earned a shot at VFL level. Picture: George Salpigtidis

The Bullants endured a tough season in 2022 finishing bottom of the ladder in the first full season of the recently reformed 21-team competition with one win.

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Preston City Oval,” Hart said in a statement on the club’s website announcing his departure.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that this proud club gave me when I came over from Adelaide in 2020 and, as soon as I walked in to PCO, I was hit with the spirit and the 140-year history of the place.

“The Bullants are a club that has left its mark on me.

“I will miss it and you.”

Holland isn’t the only WRFL connection to earn a VFL coaching in 2023 either.

On Friday, reigning premiers the Casey Demons confirmed Taylor Whitford as its senior coach for next year.

Whitford, who was an assistant coach with Melbourne’s AFL side, was part of Altona’s Division 1 premiership this season.

He spent time with the Vikings and Dees throughout the season.

Whitford has also coached in his home state of Tasmania having guided North Launceston to back-to-back premierships in 2018 and 2019.