Ovens & Murray: Damian Sexton steps aside as representative coach

A passionate advocate of representative football is stepping down after three years in charge of one of the state’s strongest leagues.

Finley farmer Damian Sexton has stepped down as the Ovens and Murray interleague coach.

The former Yarrawonga star and coach took on the representative job in the post Covid-era and has led the O&M to two wins and one loss against arch rival Goulburn Valley.

“I’ve had three years and had a good run,” Sexton said.

“You do need to put a lot of time into it to do it properly.

“I couldn’t ask more in terms of support from the league and board.

“But none of us are entitled to a job and we’ve all got our time.”

Ovens & Murray interleague coach Damian Sextonat his Finley farm. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Aside from the two wins against the GV in 2022 and 2023, the O&M teams coached by Sexton have included two players drafted by AFL clubs, Joe Richards and Riley Bice.

Richards was initially taken by Collingwood at the end of the 2022 season and has since been traded to Port Adelaide.

Bice played for the O&M in 2022 and 2023 and joined Werribee last year where he played in a VFL premiership and in November was drafted by the Sydney.

“The pleasing thing has been players who have put their hand up have got opportunities to go to a higher level,” Sexton said.

“But I also appreciate the Harry Wheelers and Brodie Filos, who also put their hands up to play.”

Ovens & Murray has a 2-1 win-loss record against Goulburn Valley since 2022. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

The fourth successive match between the O&M and GV for the Ash Wilson Trophy has been slated for late May.

O&M will host this year’s match at a venue to be determined.

Sexton previously coached the Victorian Country under-19s team and has lamented the absence of a representative “next step” for players in the post Covid era.

“To not have a representative state team when South Australia and Western Australia do have them is extremely disappointing,” he said.

Sexton’s two sons Will and Jack will play VFL again this year.