COACH WANTED

THERE’S A NEED FOR A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN AFTER PRICE HANDS IN HIS BADGE AS SENIOR MENTOR

Violet Town is on the search for a senior coach following the announcement Joel Price has decided to step aside from the role.

Price, who joined the Towners at the end of 2019, has opted to move closer to family and seek opportunities elsewhere.

After missing out on coaching the Kyabram District League outfit last year, the skilful defender got his chance to guide the Towners this season.

However, injuries and COVID19 lockdowns, forcing players to be unavailable for selection, have impacted the side.

In a statement, Price thanked the club for its support during his tenure.

“Although it’s been a frustrating two years (with COVID-19), I’ve really enjoyed my time at Violet Town,” Price said.

“Thanks to the committee, players and supporters of the club for your support during my time.

Simone and I appreciate the friendships we have made.

“A big thanks to Matt (Holmes) and Gary (Abley), these two blokes have done an enormous amount of work and supported me during my time as coach.

“I wish the club all the best for the future and I’m sure on-field success is not too far away.”

The Towners currently sit eighth on the ladder, with the KDL season still up in the air as Victoria tackles its latest coronavirus outbreak.

The club said it was close to announcing a new coach.

In other news, two Picola District Football League outfits have locked in their senior coaches for next season.

Deniliquin Rovers re-signed Alex Hay, while Rennie announced recently that Harry Haley would replace outgoing premiership coach Craig Ednie for next season.

Haley, a versatile forward and midfielder, will be a playing coach at the Hoppers.

The 28-year-old, who played for Yarrawonga this year, told the Yarrawonga Chronicle he was excited to get stuck in to a new challenge.

“I’d always had an eye to coaching in the future, but I always thought I’d approach it on my own terms after I’d given up playing then head into it,” Haley said.

“I just got a call from Rennie one night and thought I should have a proper think about this.

“I have a few mates that played juniors out there, but that was really the only connection I had to Rennie.

“It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.

“I really enjoyed my time at the Yarra footy club and in the O&M and I made a number of great mates, but I’m looking forward to the new challenge and playing a different brand of footy.”

The Rovers announced this week that Hay had committed to the club for next season.

Hay told the Pastoral Times he was looking forward to watching the progression of the Rovers’ squad into next year.

“Keeping local this year, whilst it has not been reflected in our win-loss record, has meant the group has remained consistent and that will see us going from strength to strength,” he said.

“The nucleus of a really strong team is there.”