By Sean O’Connell

All of Mininera and District league’s senior football teams have appointed or re-signed their coaches for 2024.

As pre-season started for many clubs during the past month, the 12 Mininera and District teams have been reflecting on last season’s results and putting in place measures to come back stronger – including in the coaching department. 

After winning a fairytale flag in 2022, Ararat Eagles had a 2023 season to forget and have appointed Tom Taurau and Mitchell Laundy as joint coaches. The pair both played for the Eagles in 2023 and will take over from outgoing premiership coach Bhun Joiner, in an effort to return the Eagles to finals. 

Last year’s bottom-of-the-ladder side Caramut has announced Scott Judd will coach in 2024. Tim MacDonald, who has coached Woorndoo-Mortlake in the past, will serve as assistant coach. 

Judd had a long involvement with Kolora Noorat in Warrnambool and District league and will look to improve on the Swans’ winless run last season. 

Rhys Cronin will lead fellow battlers Moyston-Willaura in 2024, supported by assistant coach Trent Fiscalini. Cronin was previously a premiership player with the Pumas and Lee a premiership coach. 

Hawkesdale-Macarthur has announced coach Xavier McCartney, with joint assistants Alex White and Brady Purcell. 

McCartney returned to the Eagles as a player last season and has been appointed head coach for 2024.

Reigning premier Tatyoon has re-appointed coach Zac Tunbridge for next season. 

Jay Everall will continue as co-coach for Penshurst, joined by playing-coach Jayden Watson, after the Bombers’ finals appearance last season.

Sean Trevaskis will lead preliminary finalists Wickliffe-Lake Bolac for a third season. 

Glenthompson-Dunkeld has re-signed coach Tom Waters. 

Isaac Templeton has committed to coach Woorndoo-Mortlake for the coming season after premiership defeat in 2023, with Damien Pemberton returning as assistant coach. 

Jake Carr will again coach SMW Rovers, after the team managed four wins last season. Tom Thewlis will return as assistant coach after taking out the club’s best-and-fairest award. 

Will Bell will continue as Great Western coach, after the side missed finals in 2023, and will be supported by Nigel Sibson. 

Lismore-Derrinallum has reappointed Alec Wiltshire, following a season in which the Demons recorded four wins. 

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