Brendan McCartney to depart North after successful four years

16 August 2024

BRENDAN McCARTNEY TO DEPART NORTH AFTER SUCCESSFUL FOUR YEARS

North Ballarat Football Netball Club has announced Senior Coach Brendan “Macca” McCartney will not return to the club next year.

McCartney advised the NBFNC Board this week that, after much deliberation, he had made the difficult decision to move on.

McCartney made the announcement to the playing group at training on Thursday night, confirming he remained committed to coaching them through the upcoming finals series.

Club President Richard Start said “Macca” would leave at the end of the season with the club’s utmost gratitude and respect.

“We have always known that a coach of Macca’s calibre would have opportunities beyond North Ballarat and, while we are sad to lose him, we are very supportive of him exploring full- time options to coach at a higher level,” said Club President Richard Start.

Under McCartney’s leadership over the past four years, North Ballarat has maintained a focus on the development of its younger players. Since joining North in 2021, 42 players have made their senior debuts and 30 of those have come through the club’s junior program.

“That’s a record we are very proud of and will be part of Macca’s legacy - the development of our young players and giving them the opportunity to play senior football,” Mr Start said.

Macca has taken the club to minor premiers in 2021, finals in 2022, the Grand Final in 2023 and the finals again this year.

Macca said he would take away “many fond memories” of his time at North.

“Many thanks to the North Ballarat Football and Netball Club for having me as their senior coach over the last four years. It’s been a great journey, and we will take away many new friends and fond memories. The club is in good hands and will continue to flourish as it has for a long time in the Ballarat community.”

The club will begin the search for a new coach immediately.

Media inquiries: Ange Carey 0467 733 999