FORMER Kerang coach Troy Coates has announced his next move in his coaching career, with the former Blue set to take the reins of Bendigo Football Netball League club South Bendigo in a non-playing capacity next season.
Coates will team up with White Hills’ Jack Fallon to lead the Bloods.
The announcement come following Kerang’s 54-point defeat by Nyah-Nyah West United in last weekend’s Central Murray Football Netball Leagu grand final.
That loss signalled the end of Coates’ tenure at the Blues, which spanned eight seasons over two separate stints as coach and included six premierships.
Coates confirmed the news of his appointment at South Bendigo earlier this week, telling The Guardian the time was right for a new challenge.
“(South Bendigo are) coming from down the lower end of the ladder so I’ll be going to a club where the focus isn’t just on the senior footy, but also on their junior program, on the club in general and on helping set up a successful program going forward for the future,” Coates said.
“My focus to this point has been on Kerang and it’s still early days, but recruiting will play a key factor for next season.
“Overall, we want to be more competitive. (South Bendigo) got belted in some games this year and we will be aiming to change that by just focusing on improvement across the board.
“We won’t be focused so much on ladder position, but instead be aiming to be competitive with every side in the competition.
“We have a bit of work to do with our junior program, because we’re competing with clubs like Sandhurst, Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye, who have good kids coming up into their senior program.
“We’ve got a bit of work to do, but I’m positive about the road ahead and I’m really looking forward to getting involved and helping to turn the club around to be successful again.”
Coates is no stranger to the Bendigo Football Netball League, having coached Strathfieldsaye in 2018 and 2019, which included leading the Storm to its last premiership in 2019.
Coates will aim to turn around the fortunes of South Bendigo, who finished seventh this season with a four-win, 12-loss record, and lead them back into the top five.
“I enjoyed my time coaching in the Bendigo league last time because there’s a lot of kids that want to learn, improve and train hard and I enjoyed that at Strathfieldsaye,” Coates said.
“I’m keen to get back into the Bendigo league, which is an ultra-professional environment. We’ve lived in Bendigo for many years now and travel was a big factor in this decision.
“The opportunity came up with South (Bendigo) and I was really impressed with their club in our meeting. I’m looking forward to the challenge that awaits.”
