Newcomb moves in new direction

NEWCOMB has already started the hunt for a new coach after telling incumbent Jye Walker the role won’t be his in 2023.

The former Leopold star was informed earlier this week the Power was heading in another direction, with the playing group informed tonight (Thursday) of the club’s intentions.

President Matt Farrow said it was a tough decision to let Walker go after two seasons in charge, which has so far yielded seven wins from 26 games.

“You’re not only talking about a coach, but you’re talking about a person and a family as well when you’re making these decisions,” Farrow said.

“He’s a great guy, and (wife) Nicole’s a wonderful person, and (children) Amali and Malakai have really taken to the place as well and have fitted in really, really well.

“These decisions are not easy; it just doesn’t impact him, but it impacts the family, and it impacts others around the club who have built strong relationships with him.

“It’s been a tough call to make, but we feel it’s the right call to make for us moving forward.”

After a decade as the BFL’s basketcase, Newcomb returned to relevancy under Rory Nicol, and Walker has maintained that with eight losses over the past two seasons by 16 points or less.

“Relevant isn’t a word I’m comfortable with,” Farrow said. “From a club perspective, I want to be important.

“In seven games this year, in 8-10 minutes, we’ve had goals kicked on us that have really hurt us.

“Being a young group, they haven’t been able to work their way through that situation, and that’s really cost us.

“We certainly thought we had a list that could make the top five or grab fifth.

“For one reason or another, we just haven’t improved on where we were.”

Farrow is confident the new coach will take on a list with a solid base to build on.

“Those kids who had 5-10 games in them have another 15-18 this year, so it should stand us in good stead,” he said.

“So, it’s building on what we’ve got, recruiting in what we need, and starting that now, rather than waiting until mid-August.

Farrow said a sub-committee to find the new coach had already been formed, with Newcomb to cast a wide net to find Walker’s replacement.

“We’ll start talking to people as of Monday,” he said.

Walker (hamstring) will coach Saturday’s clash against Barwon Heads from the sidelines.

The Power joins Portarlington and Ocean Grove in starting the hunt for a coach.

 

 

Image: Newcomb coach Jye Walker speaks to his players during the win over Queenscliff in Round 13. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)