Haley to steer Hopper ship

The 28-year-old Kennedy Builders Carpenter, who played the 2021 season for Yarrawonga, has signed a one-year deal for the Hoppers and is looking forward to the new challenge, one he didn’t think would happen for a few more years.

“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 FNC 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.”

Being from Melbourne, Haley played in a number of clubs in the city, with most of his football career spent in the Easter Football Netball League playing for North Ringwood and De La Salle Old Collegians before making his way up to the border to play for Yarrawonga.

“I used to come up to Yarrawonga as a kid to play a tennis tournament and we’d holiday here sometimes, but it was really just a change that brought me up here,” Haley said.

“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.”

With Covid restrictions and other footy commitments for 2021, Haley hasn’t been able to meet everyone at Bull Plain Road, but he is looking forward to what’s to come.

“I went and had a bit of a look at the ground and met the president but haven’t been able to have much to do with the club at the moment,” Haley said.

“I went out to the reserves training last Thursday at Vic Park and met some more of the boys and committee, but it will be nice to get over there and meet most of the playing group soon hopefully.

“We’re looking forward to the preseason and hopefully an undisrupted season next year.”

Rennie Football Netball Club President Matt Stephens said the club was looking forward to welcoming Haley to the club, taking the reins from Craig Ednie who is retiring.

“The Rennie Football Club is extremely excited with the signing of Harry Haley as senior coach for season 2022,” Mr Stephens said.

“Harry is a fantastic young bloke who at, 28 years old, is a perfect fit for our club.

“The club is looking forward to Harry finding his place in the Rennie family and getting to know all the great people who make our fantastic little club tick.”

Outcomes on local football netball leagues 2021 seasons are still being made with more information to come in coming days and weeks.

Versatile half forward and midfielder Harry Haley will fly the coup next year, taking on the playing coach role at the Rennie Hoppers.