WRFL 2021: Yarraville-Seddon locks in Brad Julier as Michael Barlow’s replacement

Left with a coaching vacancy after Michael Barlow’s departure, WRFL club Yarraville-Seddon has found its man for 2021.

Brad Julier calls the shots as WRFL interleague coach. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Yarraville-Seddon was left with a coaching vacancy for a third time since the end of a successful 2019 campaign just before Christmas.

High-profile appointment Michael Barlow landed the top job at VFL side Werribee on December 21, forcing the Eagles to go hunting again.

Positively for the Western Region Football League outfit, much of the hard work was done during the August interview process, with former champion Port Melbourne Colts ruckman Brad Julier securing the coveted position this week.

While Yarraville-Seddon will be the Division 1 newcomer this year, it boasts an enviable stable of young talent and thriving junior program.

Julier, who has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, does not expect the squad he has inherited to make up the numbers against the competition’s elite.

He pointed to the fact the Eagles had contested four consecutive grand finals in Division 2.

While the focus had been on their inability to get the job done on the big stage before their 2019 triumph, it is an impressive run as they look to establish themselves against the best.

Julier also tipped the cancelled 2020 season to result in a closer Division 1 campaign.

Brad Julier during his days at Port Colts. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“There’s a heap potential, definitely,” Julier told Leader Local Footy.

“It’s a young list that’s had I suppose some unrewarded success for a couple of years and finally got the chance to go up.

“Great junior program, great facilities, so there’s a heap of upside for the club going forward.

“We’re looking to stay in Division 1, really challenge a few sides and get some wins along the way.

“They’ve had some sustained success (in Division 2), so the players have a winning culture.

“There definitely ready for Division 1 – it’s just transforming that mentality now to be Division 1 players.”

Yarraville-Seddon celebrates its Division 2 premiership in 2019. Picture: Kristen Alebakis

Julier has limited time to prepare for his maiden season at the helm, with the first bounce slated for April 10.

But he has intimate knowledge of the WRFL, having steered the competition’s interleague side two years ago and winning the Barry Priest Medal in 2008.

Julier was a member of Port Colts’ 2006 premiership team and led it to a flag in the Southern league in 2016.

He has also held coaching roles with Werribee and Box Hill and said he was “waiting for the right moment” to take charge of a club again.

Barlow has assisted in the transition process and the Eagles remain hopeful the ex-AFL midfielder will pull on the boots if his VFL commitments allow.

Michael Barlow has helped in the transition process. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Mick has been a great help with the handover and stuff and he’s really keen to stay involved,” Julier said.

“He doesn’t want to just walk away from it, so he’s been terrific.

“Obviously I’m relying on a few people at the club, but there’s six weeks until the practice matches to try and get myself up to speed as much as possible.

“I’ve got good relationships with a couple of the other coaches who have offered to help out or offer some advice.

“Mick and I have similar philosophies, speaking to him, so what I try to do won’t be too different to what he’s been trying to do with them.”

Yarraville-Seddon appears set to retain the bulk of its senior squad, with Footscray-list VFL player and former Carlton rookie Jesse Glass-McCasker linking up with the club in October.

The Eagles will face Sunshine in the opening round of the new season.