Andrews re-signs as Storm hit top spot

STRATHFIELDSAYE coach Jeff Andrews has extended his contract midway through his first campaign with the BFNL’s Storm.

In the midst of a superb first season at the helm at Tannery Lane, Andrews has recommitted for the 2027 season.

The announcement was made on the eve of the Storm’s round 9 clash against Kangaroo Flat on the weekend.

A former coach of SANFL club Central District and an assistant coach at VFL club Werribee, Andrews officially signed with the Storm in August last year as a replacement for the departing Luke Freeman, as the club’s 2025 season was still playing out.

They would go on to reach the elimination final under Freeman, but were knocked out of premiership contention by South Bendigo.

In his first season at the helm, Andrews has led the Storm to a 7-1 record at the halfway point of the home and away season.

They currently sit on top of the ladder, level on wins with South Bendigo and four points clear of Gisborne and Sandhurst in third and fourth.

The Storm replaced the Bloods in top spot following their 76-point win over the Roos at Dower Park on Saturday.

Andrews is appreciative for the show of faith by the Storm. “I’m grateful for the trust the club has shown in me and excited to continue building on the foundations we’ve laid together,” he said.

His stellar resume also includes stints as an assistant coach with the Calder Cannons in the former TAC Cup competition, director of coaching and list management at Williamstown in the VFL, and a Riddell league premiership as coach of Macedon. Meanwhile, the Storm’s victory over Kangaroo Flat was their sixth straight.

Ethan Featherby starred for the Storm, who got big contributions from Daniel Clohesy, Riley Mulquiny, Tyson Mckenzie, Timothy Hosking, and Tyce Griffin.

Elsewhere on Saturday, the regeneration of Sandhurst continued with several youngsters again impressing for the Dragons in a 31-point win over Castlemaine at the QEO.

In his second senior game, Oliver Stewart led the way on the scoreboard with three goals, while debutant Lenny McNamara also caught the eye.

Dylan Landt, Jack Sutherland and Harrison Sheahan rated best for Castlemaine.

At Wade Street, Gisborne overcame a gallant Golden Square, which responded superbly to a quarter-time spray from co-coach Brad Eaton, bouncing back from a 39-point quarter-time deficit to win the next two quarters and levelling the last in a 23-point loss.

At Broadford, Eaglehawk inflicted the Kangaroos’ fifth 200-plus point loss for the season.

The Hawks’ win, combined with Castlemaine’s loss, sees them a game clear of the Magpies in fifth spot on the ladder.