As the 2024 season draws to a close, Euroa Football Netball Club finds itself at a pivotal moment, with both football and netball teams navigating significant transitions.
Head coach Ryan Pendlebury is departing after his first season to pursue an assistant coaching role with the North Melbourne AFLW team and to join St Mary’s Sporting Club as a player, while marquee player Will Hayes has been signed by the Carlton Blues reserve side.
Meanwhile, netball A grade playing coach Ellie Warnock has yet to confirm whether she will continue in her role for the 2025 season.
These departures could leave Euroa with key gaps to fill as they prepare for the next season.
Interest in the vacant head coach position is already high, and the club faces a crucial decision: whether to bring in an experienced out-of-town coach to add depth and keep the premiership window open, or to focus on a local leader who understands Euroa’s unique culture and can harness the emerging talent within the club.
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Promising young players from the talent-rich Under-18s, like Ryan Hill, Mitchell Walter, and Will Creevey, are set to join the senior ranks after already playing a handful of senior games in 2024, bringing fresh energy and potential to the squad.
Rising stars Cohen Paul and Darby Wilson, fresh from the Murray Bushrangers, will also be playing their first senior year.
Paul, coming off a selection in the Vic Country Under-18s game, is known for his height and versatility and is expected to add polish across the ground, while Darby Wilson is set to bring speed, grit, and defensive pressure to the backline.
The return of Tom Burke, playing alongside his brother Nick, who had a breakout year with the Magpies, promises to boost the team.
However, the club will still require additional reinforcements to maintain the competitive edge of recent seasons.
A midseason review in 2024 highlighted the impact of Andrew Smith’s and others’ exits, leaving a notable gap in Euroa’s ruck.
Finding a tall, dominant player to support the midfield will be essential for the club’s future success.
Depth will also be tested by Brad Gleeson’s recent senior coaching appointment at Violet Town, which has drawn several players from Euroa's reserves.
Nevertheless, Euroa’s foundation remains strong, with familiar names like the Hills, McKernans, Gleesons, and Trotters providing a reliable core.
Gus Varley and Andrew Bell, who recently reached 200 senior games in 2024, will bring the necessary experience.
On the netball side, Euroa faces similar uncertainties.
Ellie Warnock, the architect behind recent grand final wins in both A and B grades, has yet to confirm her plans for 2025.
Warnock, who has commuted from Geelong to Euroa for several seasons, has been instrumental for the A grade team.
Her impact extended to interleague, where she coached the team to a breakthrough win.
Her decision will likely influence whether her teammates remain at Euroa, and the club is hopeful she will return to build on the momentum and work toward back-to-back premierships.
As Euroa heads into the preseason, the club’s supporters and community eagerly await updates.
The appointment of a new coach, key player commitments, and the integration of talented juniors will all play crucial roles in shaping the club’s future.
Euroa is ready to face the challenges ahead and aims for a successful 2025 season in both football and netball.
