Punchy leads host of recommitted VAFA coaches

Caulfield Grammarians’ incredible 2021 form is set to continue after the club recently announced the re-signing of senior coach, Simon Williams.

Williams, who joined the Fields when they were in Premier C in 2016, has since celebrated a successful rise through the sections – one that has included the 2019 Premier B flag.

More recently, the Fields ended a three-game losing streak to start the 2021 William Buck Premier season and followed it up with seven consecutive wins and a spot inside the top four.

Caulfield assistants, Marcel Bruin and Luke Thwaites, have followed Williams and also re-committed to the club.

“We are fortunate to have all three of these wonderful men recommit to the Fields,” club president, Will Bowes, said.

“As a club we were incredibly proud of our team’s efforts in 2021 and feel like there is unfinished business to attend to in 2022.”

Williams joins James Byrne (Old Xaverians) and Mark Gnatt (Old Scotch) as William Buck Premier coaches who have recently recommitted.

In Premier B, Fitzroy FC favourite son, Luke Mahoney, signed on for another year as the Roys search for their first-ever Premier B pennant when VAFA football returns.

“I have been very proud of how the group have navigated through the challenges of the past two years,” Mahoney told Fitzroy Media.

“We are all looking forward to a full season of football next season and building on the progression we have made.”

Mahoney joined the club in 2018 and immediately tasted success with a Premier C premiership in his first year.

Hawthorn AFC’s Mark Murray is another coach who has signed on for next season after he first took the reins earlier this year. The Hawks finished the Division 3 season as minor premiers with eight wins from their 11 games.

“After stepping into the position early in the 2021 season, Muzza has continued to build on the strength of the Men’s program,” the Hawks said.

“A well-respected coach and player in the VAFA for well over two decades, we know Muz will continue to lead the Seniors to success, whatever grade we land in for the 2022 season.”

At Ross Gregory Oval, Power House AFC locked down senior men’s coach, Anthony McMahon, earlier this week.

It was a tough season for the House as they claimed just the one win in Division 2, but they will be buoyed by the senior game time they got into their entire playing squad.

“Anthony played 40 players through the Senior Team this season and has worked hard on developing and building a young list with a new game style which became obvious when our form lifted towards the latter part of the shortened season as the players adapted to the new systems,” the club said.

“All at the club are looking forward to Season 2022 with Anthony at the helm.”

Photo: Diggle Photography