WFNL: Ben Chapman steps down as Sunshine coach with his replacement named

With Guy Barbuto in charge for the rest of the season, don’t be surprised to see some changes to Sunshine’s style. He reveals why and gives an update on a key injured trio.

Ben Chapman stood down as Sunshine coach last week. Picture: George Sal

Guy Barbuto won’t be resting on his laurels in the Sunshine hot seat for the rest of the season.

The ex-Essendon District league gun was appointed to the Roos’ senior coaching role last week when Ben Chapman was forced to stand aside.

Barbuto originally joined the club at the start of the season as one of Chapman’s assistants from Avondale Heights.

He got off to the perfect start on the weekend as Sunshine recorded a comfortable Western Football Netball League division two win over North Footscray.

The Roos still sit in second place with the aim of locking away a top-two finish and double chance in the final fortnight of the season with games against Tarneit and Newport to come.

“We’re going to change a few things, we’re still the hunter trying to catch Albion who have been the benchmark,” Barbuto said.

“There’s still a lot of personnel to come in. Daniel Torcia, Mark Mazzeo and Murray Boyd are out of the side at the moment but we’re keen to get them back in.

“We’ll take our time with those decisions, 10 extra days in footy make a huge difference.”

Murray Boyd is expected back in the coming weeks. Picture: Andy Brownbill

With number one ruckman Boyd sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered in the loss to Albion, Barbuto said Declan Moloney and Trent Waring had fill the role well.

“It’s a big void when you lose someone of his importance,” he said.

“Those two guys have gone in and done an outstanding job for us, playing some really good footy.”

It’s expected this weekend’s game against Tarneit will see recruit Nathan Carroll kick his 100th goal of the season with the star forward needing just two more.

“Hopefully he can get it out of the way early and we get back to focusing on the footy,” Barbuto said.

“He’s had a super year, on and off the field. He’s been great around the club.”

Declan Moloney has been filling in in the ruck. Picture: Andy Brownbill

EARLIER

A Western Football Netball League premiership contender has been forced into a change of coach.

Division 2 club Sunshine has announced Ben Chapman has stood down as the senior coach with several rounds to play left in the season.

Chapman had been in talks with the club for several weeks about how to best move forward to put the Roos’ best interest forward.

Guy Barbuto has been confirmed as the interim coach for the rest of the year.

“After ongoing discussions spanning several weeks, Ben advised the club this week that he would no longer be able to fulfil his obligations, and as such the club has accepted his resignation, effective immediately,” Sunshine president Chris Gatt said.

“On behalf of the club, I would like to thank not only Ben, but wife Alison and their family for investing into the Sunshine Football Netball Club and making it a better environment for all involved.

“Moving forward, Guy Barbuto has accepted the interim coaching position for the remainder of the season, as we continue our path forward.

“Please join me in thanking Ben for all of his efforts and I ask that the club get behind Guy, the coaching group and players as we prepare for the business end of the season, with much to play for.”

Guy Barbuto playing for Keilor. Picture: David Smith

Barbuto, a former player and assistant coach in the Essendon District league, joined the WFNL club at the start of the season as a right-hand man to Chapman.

He was an assistant coach at Avondale Heights last season.

“The appointment of Guy Barbuto from Avondale Heights is a major signing for 2024,” the club said following his signing.

“Guy has a long and successful history, both as a player and coach, and has been involved in highly successful and professional programs.

“We are excited about the new dynamic and level of professionalism Guy will bring to the playing group for the upcoming season, as we strive to improve our performance, not only on game day, but with preparation and planning during a week.”

Chapman was appointed to the top job at Sunshine at the end of the 2022 season after previously being a co-coach with Tullamarine.

He led the club to finals footy last year after it was relegated from the competition’s top tier.

Sunshine currently sits second on the ladder, two games back from Albion.

They’ll face North Footscray on Saturday.