Sport
1 December, 2022
Perry steps up in Maryborough’s time of need for 2023 season
Incoming playing-coach Coby Perry has one simple goal for the Maryborough Football Netball Club next season. “Beyond just playing football, we need to continue to provide a thriving environment for them to grow and develop, as well as growing the...
Incoming playing-coach Coby Perry has one simple goal for the Maryborough Football Netball Club next season.
“Beyond just playing football, we need to continue to provide a thriving environment for them to grow and develop, as well as growing the qualities inside and outside the club. The big thing for me is not just making these guys better athletes and better footballers, but better people. And it’s something I want to continue in 2023 throughout club level — not just the senior football club, but all the way through to Auskick, as well as our netball teams,” he said.
Maryborough may have endured a winless season in 2022, and have just been dealt a significant blow with Rick Andrews resigning due to family and work commitments, but they will now look to current captain Perry to steady the ship in his first coaching role.
One look at Perry’s CV suggests he has more than enough football experience to take the significant step into coaching.
A VFL representative with the North Ballarat Roosters and a two time Bendigo Football Netball League interleague representative, as well as a club captain and best and fairest winner, Perry has been around the traps long enough to learn the ropes from previous coaches who have played a significant role in shaping Perry’s experiences in the sport.
“It’s an incredible feeling, to be honest. I’ve been here a long time, going into my 10th season at senior level, being assistant with others prior and being able to captain the club, I’m pumped that I’m going into the new role next year, and I can’t wait,” he said.
“I’ve had so much support at club level and from outside, particularly with previous coaches like Ben Lavars, Justin Abrams and Rick Andrews giving me support and the influence, as well as people around the club. We’re building a really sustainable environment — one where we have people willing to help out. I’m lucky to have that kind of support.
“It was a shock with Rick’s announcement. But following that, it felt right to transition to the role. I’ve done my apprenticeship and I’ve been assisting the coaches of the past and learning through those guys. It’s unfortunate that Rick has resigned, but I still feel it is the right move for me at this stage of my career.”
Perry is level-headed when he discusses where Maryborough is at as a club, but he has more than enough confidence in the football side of things to understand that there can be good steps taken next year, particularly given the under 18s that just participated in finals will be looking to take the next step into senior football.
“As a club, we understand where we are at. We are in a rebuild phase, but we have successfully completed the return of the under 18s, who had a fantastic year making the finals. Now it’s on to the second phase, which is introducing more of those guys into the senior program by giving them the experience and the taste of that level,” he said.
“I think the most exciting thing about the role is from Auskick through to the senior level, there’s the juniors coming through and the talent that is in each age group is certainly there. We have our 16s who won a premiership and league best and fairests. It’s a really exciting future for the club.”
The transition between Andrews and Perry’s tenure looks set to be smooth, particularly given Perry’s experience in working with current reserve and under 18 coaches Callum Rowe and Brady Neill.
“Callum, Brady and myself are frequently in touch, which was the same deal when Rick was coach, so we all work well together, especially with the under 18s. It’s important we transition those guys when they are ready, and I certainly value Brady’s opinion when it comes to what time is right for them as well,” he said.
