IT was one of the most eventful weeks in local MPNFL football history last week.
After news broke that former Sorrento and Rosebud premiership coach Nick Jewell had taken over the coaching job at Pines last Sunday afternoon, just three days later, current coach Pat Swayn was reappointed at the Pythons for the next two years.
Jewell accepted the Pines coaching job in writing last Saturday night (September 2), confirmed his position with Pines president Jeff Svigos after the story broke on Sunday afternoon and then resigned the position on Sunday night.
Svigos conceded that the situation wasn’t handled well and resigned his position at Pines. Swayn met with the Pines leadership group early last week and decided to stay on as senior coach.
It was confirmed that players and officials of the club were unaware of the Jewell appointment.
Swayn said on the RPP Footy Show on Saturday morning that Svigos had been “great for the Pines FC for many years and made a mistake”.
“We all make mistakes and I’m supportive of Jeff staying involved and continuing the path to help us continue to improve,” Swayn said.
Two weeks ago, in one of the worst kept secrets in footy, Jewell was set to come onto the RPP Footy Show with Karingal president Troy Callahan to announce his appointment at the Bulls for three seasons. Pines made a better offer.
So what was the fallout?
Karingal was left to go back to the drawing board, although they are sitting down with at least four quality candidates this week who have shown interest in the job, including one from left field.
Rye FC announced last week that Jewell had been appointed chairman of selectors to support coach and friend Josh Moore.
In other breaking news over the weekend, Red Hill will start the interview process to replace triple premiership coach Tony Blackford.
Blackford told the club midway through the year of his intentions to stand down at season’s end.
Red Hill president Roger Siverson confirmed that interviews had been lined up this week for likely candidates.
Crib Point is looking for a coach too after Brad Arnold announced his resignation at the club’s vote count night.
In Peninsula Division, outside of Karingal, Langwarrin is interviewing for its top job, although it is understood Brad Dredge still has a year to serve on his contract, while Mornington will announce its new coach on Tuesday or Wednesday this week.
First published in the Mornington News – 12 September 2017
