Herbison to step aside

BARWON Heads longest serving senior football coach will step down from his coaching duties at the end of the 2024 BFL season.

Two-time premiership playing-coach Mitch Herbison says “the time is right” to hand the baton on after eight years at the helm.

The 36-year-old is looking at travelling in 2025, limiting his ability to commit to coaching.

The Seagulls stalwart began his coaching tenure alongside Bobby Wallace in 2017-18, before taking the reins with Troy Mitchell between 2019 and 2021.

The pair tasted success in 2019, winning the club’s first premiership in 26 years, before Herbison teamed up with Don Donati to deliver a flag in 2022.

Herbison said he would cherish his time in the playing-coach role.

“It’s been a tough decision to make having been in the system down there for a while, but it seems like the right time.

“There’s been so much enjoyment that’s come with coaching a great side like Barwon Heads.

“To break the premiership drought in 2019 was one of the biggest highlights of my football journey.

“Then we had the stop-start years of 2020 and 2021 and had to really galvanise the group. It was pretty tough on those guys who relied on those social connections footy brings.”

He said the side’s resilience to come together again and win as an “underdog” in 2022 was a huge milestone.

“We got the chance to go back-to-back as such in 2022, which was an amazing feeling.

“It was a different feeling as we were outsiders for the majority of the year with Drysdale and Torquay dominating.

“It was certainly a great moment for our group.”

Herbison said he was proud to be the club’s longest serving senior coach in its 102-year history.

“I’m pretty lucky that I’ve had great people around me and to have amazing off-field help and assistance.

“It was just about executing things out on the field and earning those wins.

“The guys I’ve coached with over the journey have been huge. Bobby, Troy, Don and now Sammy Schaller.

“We’ve all helped each other tick along, and it’s been key to the success we’ve had as a club over the years.”

In terms of his playing career, the crafty utility has not committed to tossing the boots aside yet.

“I’ll see how the body feels after the end of this season.

“I don’t want to rush into it. I’ll give myself the time I need.”

Barwon Heads are in need of a huge win this week to solidify a finals spot.