FOOTBALL coaches come and go – that’s the cyclical nature of the caper.
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However, the Bendigo Pioneers’ decision to let go of Brett Henderson on Friday after two years at the helm of the TAC Cup club comes as a shock.
Pioneers’ talent manager Steve Sharp told the Bendigo Advertiser: “It was best for our program if we went down a different path with our head coaching position.”
At first glance Henderson’s 6-29 record in his two seasons as coach certainly doesn’t look flash, but when you weigh up the on-field history of the Pioneers and the improvements this season, he looked to have the club headed in the right direction.
His four wins this year – which included one over eventual premier Sandringham – was the equal most victories the Pioneers have had in the past eight years, double the two from Henderson’s first season in 2015 and achieved with what was a revolving door of a side.
Because of injuries and representative football commitments, the Pioneers used 62 players this year – 34 of which were bottom-age players, which can only hold the team in good stead for next season.
While football is a results-driven business, at the core of the TAC Cup is development and providing the pathway into the AFL. Last year the Pioneers had two players drafted – Tom Cole (West Coast Eagles) and Aidyn Johnson (Port Adelaide).
Next month the Pioneers are a strong chance to have at least three players drafted – 2016 captain and TAC Cup Team of the Year winger Joe Atley and Kobe Mutch are both currently at the Draft Combine – and exciting forward Kayle Kirby is on the radar.
Atley, Kirby, Kane Farrell, Lochie O’Brien, Cooper Jones and Sandhurst premiership player Braidon Blake all represented Victoria Country at the under-18 national championships, while Mutch played for the Allies and was named in the All-Australian team.
With Darby Henderson and Angus Schumacher playing in the under-17 Futures Match in August, coupled with Jarrod Brander, Farrell, O’Brien and Jye Caldwell all having been selected as part of the 2017 NAB AFL Academy intake, the development at the Pioneers under Henderson’s watch appears to be progressing well.
Henderson’s passion for coaching and the Pioneers has been clear in several social media posts since his removal. Given that passion and his experience, it’s unlikely Henderson will be out of footy for long.
Luke West – sports reporter
