Suns begin search for inaugural footy coach

THE search is under way for the inaugural Surf Coast Suns senior football coach, with the club confirming the beginning of the signing process.

Suns president Jay Williams said the club was excited to officially start the formation of the club’s senior side with entry into the Bellarine Football League to take place in 2026.

“Making the call-out now is probably something I’ve thought about quite a lot and now is the right time I think to do it.

“It gives us time to find someone and then there’ll be an additional 12 months for them to get together our side.

“Finals are coming up, so people are already thinking about what they’re doing next year, and now the excitement builds from here.”

The club will remain open-minded with what its first senior football coach will look like, whether it be as a coach only set-up, or in the style of a playing-coach.

The Suns’ lone pre-requisite for applicants is that they are not committed to another club in 2025, allowing the appointed coach to assist the club and its committee signing players for the following year.

The club is also looking at solidifying its applicant selection by the end of February, before Round 1 of next season.

This would allow the appointed coach to become familiar with key personnel around the club.

“You can talk about this inaugural side all you want and forecast when things are happening, but now that we’ve announced this step, it certainly feels more real than before,” Williams said.

“This process needs to have a fair bit of time to work through, but now that we are beginning this search, it certainly keeps the encouragement and motivation up for the committee and the club.”

The Suns were officially approved to enter AFL Barwon’s senior ranks in late May, the first expansion team in the region since St Leonards was formed in 1985.

As part of the coaching search announcement, the Suns stated the coach’s key objectives would be to; to help bring in key assistants and play a significant role in player recruitment, to create a competitive environment and enjoyable culture among the playing group, and to drive and uphold values.

All coaching applications can be directed to Jay Williams by phoning 0417 578 740 or emailing [email protected].