Two more GFL clubs reveal coaching changes

THE coaching landscape in the Geelong Football League (GFL) has altered again, with two clubs announcing alterations to their senior coaching structures.

Colac and St Mary’s have got in early to announce their coaching changes for 2025 – former St Kilda player Seb Ross has taken over as co-coach of the Tigers and former East Geelong coach Ben Boseley is heading to Kardinia Park to coach the Saints.

Colac’s major signing of Ross comes after the 31-year-old was delisted from St Kilda at the end of the 2024 AFL season, following 211 games across 13 seasons at Moorabbin.

Ross’ appointment to the coaching position was confirmed at Colac’s presentation night last week, but no announcements have been made on who he will share the role with.

Ross is a two-time club best-and-fairest with St Kilda, securing Trevor Barker Medals in 2017 and 2019, as well as earning an All-Australian nod in 2017.

Ross will hope to get Colac back to the GFL Finals in 2025, after the Tigers failed to make the top five this season for the first time since 2016.

In addition to the coaching announcement, Colac has confirmed 18 signings and re-signings for the 2025 season, capped off by this year’s club best and fairest Zach Zdybel and GFL leading goalkicker Adam Garner.

At Anthony Costa Oval, Boseley, who departed Richmond Oval at the end of the 2022 season, is making his return to the local football ranks.

In a statement, St Mary’s said it was thrilled to welcome Boseley to the club as co-coach alongside current coach Luke Rayner.

“Ben has a rich history in Geelong local football over the past 2 decades, winning senior premierships as a player and coach for both South Barwon and Birregurra.

“Ben joins us after a short but successful coaching stint with East Geelong guiding them to multiple top three finishes.”We extend a warm welcome to not only Ben, but to his wife Annie, and their three young children Mila, Sadie and Austin.

“We are looking forward to see Ben and Luke take the club forward into 2025 and beyond.”

Boseley is an East Geelong junior but joined South Barwon as a teenager where he became a two-time premiership player.

He rose to prominence as a coach at Birregurra, leading the Colac & District side to back-to-back flags in 2016 and 2017.

Elsewhere in the GFL, Rick Munn has already been appointed St Albans coach, Brett Henderson at Lara, and Cats legend Steve Johnson at Newtown & Chilwell.