South Coast eye second side in 2025

FOLLOWING an abundance of interest during its inaugural season, the South Coast Sharks are confident it can field an Over 45s side in 2025 as well as an Over 35s side.

The AFL Masters Vic Country side, which was created in late 2023 and includes footballers from Aireys Inlet to Ocean Grove, is eager to hear from more players aged over 45.

Sharks president David O’Brien said the club’s growth in such a short time had been astonishing to watch, which added to the excitement of potentially putting together a second team.

“It’s a really exciting next step for the club, it’s been really encouraging to see how many blokes are getting around the sport at that over 35 and over 45 age bracket.

“One day we hope we can also get a women’s side together, but for now this is what we’re looking at establishing for next year.

“We didn’t want to commit to the Over 45 division unless we knew we had a need for it, and as a club it’ll be a bigger commitment to run the two team, but we believe we’re ready for it.”

As part of a practice match that took place yesterday against Ballarat Diggers Football Club at Anglesea’s Ellimatta Reserve, the Sharks put an Over 45s side on the park.

Bill Rogers coached the side as part of a trial run, with a permanent coach to be appointed at the club’s annual general meeting later this year.

O’Brien said Rogers was a suitable appointment for this week given his previous ongoing support for the Sharks and previous coaching roles.

“We’re really pleased Bill put his hand up to help and he has a wealth of knowledge after coaching in the Northern Territory.

“He’s been pretty active around the club and we look forward to seeing how he handles the side this weekend before coaching positions are locked in later this year.”

The Sharks will now enjoy a few months off before starting a recruiting drive from early next year.