WFNL: Why West Footscray is a job in demand

A Western Football Netball League club with one of the most exciting lists in the competition will have a new coach next season. We analyse why it might be the most wanted job in the competition.

West Footscray coach Troy Beamond is stepping down at season’s end. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Potential local footy coaches eyeing a job in the Western Football League need look no further than a rising Division 2 outfit.

West Footscray has confirmed Troy Beamond will stand down as senior coach after three years in charge and he leaves the Roosters in a position where the next person in charge might be able to take them to another level.

Beamond has overseen the club reset itself in Division 3 in 2023, stabilise its position after the lopsided Division 2 season in 2024 and they are now right in the mix for a premiership this season.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to coach the Roosters for 3 seasons,” Beamond said in a club statement.

“I am appreciative of the club for their support, and also for allowing me the time to consider my future intentions. It was an extremely difficult decision, however with family, work and travelling from Geelong, something just had to give.”

“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved as a club in the past 3 years, and look forward to hopefully a successful finals series with an outstanding group of young men.

“West Footscray will always hold great memories.”

Now there is an opportunity to build on the foundations Beamond has laid in conjunction with the hard working volunteers on the committee and coaches in the junior grades.

The Roosters possess one of the best, if not the best, young list in the Division 2 and with this year’s premier not set to be promoted there’s an opportunity to build something special in 2026.

Another season with the young men gives an incoming coach an opportunity to come in and develop a game plan which they believe could stack up in Division 1.

It’s not a plan of a one and done season in the top flight, the Roosters will be determined to get there and lock themselves away.

The current senior group isn’t the exciting element to take on board. Currently the Roosters’ under-18 side is undefeated on top of the ladder with 13 straight wins to start the season.

With a senior team currently sitting third and developing at a rate of knots, this is the only job that should have no shortage of offers.

Saturday’s 14-point win over the Suns, a much more experienced outfit, was the perfect demonstration of what Beamond has built. The Roosters kicked the last three to run out winners in a game played in horrendous conditions.

While there is still so much to play for in 2025, the Roosters have got the decision absolutely right to get their house in order for next season.

Another year of development is only going to give this football club a bigger platform to succeed.

And whoever steps into the coaching role has a chance to build something special.