Ouyen United: Kangas name joint coaches for 2021 Sunraysia football season

The Kangas have made a call on who will be at the helm for the next Sunraysia football season, appointing two playing coaches.

Ouyen United’s Dean Jardine, right, will be joint coach of the Kangas in season 2021. Picture: Glenn Milne

Ouyen United will have two coaches on the field during the 2021 SFNL season.

The Kangas have appointed Dean Jardine and Brad Vallance as joint coaches as the club bids to return to finals footy.

Jardine was first appointed for the 2020 season but only got to lead the squad through a pre-season after matches were ultimately abandoned due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He’ll be joined by new coach and former captain Vallance, who will be relocating from his Darwin base to be a local player in 2021.

Luke Stanbrook, who was due to co-coach in 2020, will continue as a player next season.

Ouyen United president Mal Crothers said Jardine, previously Under 18s coach, would be raring to go after missing out this season.

“We’re looking forward to him continuing on how he was coaching in the Under 18s,” Crothers said.

“He’s got a lot of respect among all his teammates and around the league.”

Brad Vallance in action in the NTFL. Picture: Felicity Elliott

A two-time John Groves Medal winner for best on ground in a grand final, Vallance would be ready to be at training during the pre-season.

“He’s well respected as well and we all know what he can bring to the table as a player,” Crothers said.

“He’s a fierce competitor as a player and I think he will be as a coach as well.”

The Kangas missed out on the top four last year on percentage, their first season without finals since joining the SFNL in 2016, a run that included two premierships.

Difficulties with interstate travel due to the pandemic may hinder opportunities for the Kangas to utilise Darwin-based players next season.

However, the club was working on recruits to bolster its list.

“We’re pretty close to signing a few players – I think we’ve got some pretty exciting times ahead if they come through,” Crothers said.

There was also optimism about the crop of juniors, some of whom Jardine helped steer to an Under 18s grand final in 2019.

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