Reserves and Under 19s Coaching Announcement

We are sad to announce that Thomas Black (Reserves Mens) and Matt Russell (Under 19s) will be departing the club at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Thomas has served as our Reserves coach since 2020, where he also was a player up until the 2022 season where he achieved Life Membership after reaching 200 games. After a 2021 season which was cut short and a 2022 season which saw the team finish the second half of the year 7-2, Blacky took the Reserves to a Preliminary Final in which the team fell just short of the big dance. Over the past few seasons Blacky has had a tremendous impact on our Mens playing group, as both his character and coaching style has seen the teams culture grow significantly and puts the Reserves group in a strong position heading into the future.

Matt joined the Eagles in the 2022 season, in which the team had their initial struggles due to several 19s players making consistent Senior appearances, however 2023 was a massive leap for the Eagles. Through strong recruitment and player development, Matt helped guide the 19s to a second place spot as well as to a Grand Final for the first time in 10 years for the team. Although this appearance in September was a massive achievement for him, an even greater highlight is that Matt was able to have 9 of his U19s players make their Senior debut over his two seasons coaching. With many young U19s players having already committed to the 2024 season, we couldn’t be more thankful for the work Matt has done to help develop this talented group.

Blacky will enjoy some well-deserved time away from the club to travel as well as focus on work commitments, and Matt will continue to be involved within the Mens football program.

We would like to thank both men for their contribution and service to the Marcellin Old Collegians Football Club.

The club will release further information on these coaching vacancies shortly. To discuss any of these position contact us at admin@marcellinocfc.com.au.