Ovens & Murray: Daryn Cresswell in demand to coach again

Corowa-Rutherglen is expected to make a move to lure Daryn Cresswell as coach as part of the next step in its comeback from a season in recess.

Daryn Cresswell has emerged as Corowa-Rutherglen’s No. 1 target to coach, for the next crucial stage of the club’s return from a season spent in recess.

The Ovens and Murray league club will be entering the coaching market shortly with current coach Steve Owen not expected to seek an extension beyond his present two-year deal that ends this season.

Cresswell is a hugely attractive option for Corowa-Rutherglen given his proven track record of being able to recruit and revive the on-field fortunes of struggling O&M clubs.

Corowa-Rutherglen president Graham Hosier. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Corowa-Rutherglen president Graham Hosier told The Weekly Times the club had not officially made a call on its coaching position for 2025 and beyond.

Cresswell is presently coaching in Cairns on a two-year deal, but his business remains based on the border and a return to the region can’t be ruled out.

Fuelling speculation of him coaching Corowa-Rutherglen is the decision overnight of two of his present South Cairns players, Tyler Roos and Josh Clayton, playing for the O&M club this weekend.

Corowa-Rutherglen’s present coach Steve Owen. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Roos, the son of former Sydney and Melbourne coach and star AFL player Paul Roos, previously played under Cresswell in the O&M.

South Cairns has a bye for the next two rounds.

Collingwood 2010 premiership player Heath Shaw will also play a one-off match for Corowa-Rutherglen this weekend.

Corowa-Rutherglen was granted extra points and more salary cap space as part of its “reset” with no decision made that those concessions will end after only one season.

Cresswell, a former Sydney Swans star, has previously coached Wodonga Raiders and Wangaratta Rovers to preliminary final finishes after battling before he took over.

Daryn Cresswell has coached Wangaratta Rovers and Wodonga Raiders in the O&M previously. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Owen has played a major part in rebuilding the club’s player stocks and has taken to the field as a player in recent weeks.

But the majority of the present senior list travels from Melbourne or other parts of the state.

Corowa-Rutherglen is sitting on the bottom of the ladder without a win.