New deal for Dom

Already the longest-serving coach at McCartney Oval, Gleeson will become only the second coach in BFL history after Steve Clark at Queenscliff to lead the one club for ten seasons.

The new deal, signed last week, takes him to the end of the 2024 season.

“My family are so supportive; that keeps my motivation going,” Gleeson, who took on the role ahead of the 2015 season, said.

“My wife and I have two young kids – a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old, so we’ve gone through the challenging part of nappies, bathtime, and animal hour.

“I’m fortunate enough now that I can take them to training now if need be, or we’ve got the support of my in-laws in town now.

“That’s the main push because I sense a lot of guys and girls give up their passion or their sport because of family pressures.

“I’ve been very fortunate I’ve had that support.”

Gleeson, who has a 98-32 win-loss record from 130 games in charge, also welcomed the backing of the club’s committee.

“From day one, they have always supported me, so you stay motivated to perform for them,” he said.

“And the playing group, that amazes me every week. Even last weekend, although our performance wasn’t superb, when it came to the crunch, our players stepped up and did the things I’ve been putting on them for years.

“I really love it.

“Yes, it’s a paid gig. But I’d do it for free. I love coaching; I coached the under-10s this year.

“I love seeing the growth in players and people, and I certainly feel like myself, and the other assistant coaches have a real impact over the journey, and we look forward to continuing doing that.”

Gleeson, who has already indicated this will be his last season as a player, is keen to see Torquay eventually compete at the highest level in the region if a divisional structure becomes a reality.

However, he says it’s no longer a “driving force”.

“I’ve probably stepped away a little bit from that after talking to supporters and sponsors down here,” Gleeson said.

“They love the town vs. town feel; the coastal towns playing against one another; they love the sandbelt grounds and facilities.

“I like the history of the Bellarine footy league and where it’s at right now.

“But, I think Torquay’s direction, and for the betterment of our junior program, I think it would be a great avenue to see us in the GFL.”

 

Image: Torquay coach Dom Gleeson has signed a two-year contract extension. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)