Kangaroos on the hunt for new coach

It was a tough year for John Corso and the Sunbury Kangaroos. (Joe Mastroianni). 277998_03

The Sunbury Kangaroos are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing Essendon District Football League season.

The Kangaroos won just one game this year in division 1 and will drop back to division 2 next season.

The club decided to advertise their senior coaching role as they assessed the past two seasons, which resulted in four wins total.

Current coach Leigh Sporle was invited to re-apply, but decided not to reapply.

Kangaroos president Mick Streiff said it was a difficult decision to make, with Sporle being a life member of the club.

“The committee looked at the results from the last two years and decided to look at options for the best way forward for the club,” he said.

“It was disappointing that we weren’t able to achieve the results we were after.

“Through injuries, illness and other reasons, we struggled to get our best side on the park at all this season.

“There were still a number of positives to come from the season, which we are looking to build on in the future.”

One of the biggest positives this season was a number of players got the opportunity to play senior football that wouldn’t have otherwise got the opportunity.

Streiff is looking forward to these players growing into good senior footballers in the coming years.

“It’s a great opportunity to build on our flourishing youth, with the under-17s playing off in a grand final this year and the under-18.5s making finals for the first time since 2013,” he said.

“The club will look to retain the existing core group of players, while also looking to recruit more experience.”

Streiff said they know that division 2 provides different challenges and opportunities to playing in division 1. In the club’s previous season in division 2 they went through the season undefeated, claiming the premiership.

“Appointing the right coach has never been more important, we need someone with an eye to develop our younger crop, whilst still engaging the rest of the playing group,” he said.

“We also need to recruit the right type of players that will buy into what we are trying to achieve as a club, and that is long term sustained success.”

Both playing and non-playing coaches are welcomed to apply for the coaching role.

Applications close September 9.

Details: 0423 402 606 or 0417 140 419