Heidelberg West, Kilmore and Old Eltham Collegians looking for new coaches in 2026

The Turtles confirmed on Wednesday night Matt Sleeman would stand down at the end of the year.

Sleeman has been a part of the club since it began its Northern league journey in 2019, serving as assistant to John Garrard in the club’s debut season.

He took the senior coaching reins in 2020, guiding the club through two seasons ruined by the COVID pandemic.

Collegians enjoyed sustained success under Sleeman’s leadership, winning 41 of 67 matches.

The club played finals in all three complete seasons, reaching the preliminary final in 2022 and 2023 and an elimination final in 2024.

In a club statement, Old Eltham president Ben Crellin paid tribute to “Keysy”.

“After much convincing, Matt joined the Turtles in 2019 for our inaugural NFNL season … despite insisting his involvement would be limited to match days, Matt – along with his boys Carter and Harvey – didn’t miss a session,” the statement read.

“His passion and ability was evident and he eventually took over the reins as senior coach prior of the 2020 season.

“Although COVID disrupted the years that followed, Matt steered the club through this period calmly and with direction.

“He guided the club to our first NFNL finals series and began one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history. Over six seasons Matt brought a new level of professionalism to the club while embracing the quirks and unique challenges that come with being a Turtle.

“Off-field, Matt contributed enormously to the running of the club, including playing a large role in sponsorship and recruitment, as well as taking on many roles that wouldn’t be expected at many other clubs.

“From installing air-conditioning in return for hiring of temporary lighting, to moving masses of sand to fill potholes and cooking Thursday meals, Keysy has done it all.

“The Sleeman family has become an enormous part of the club, Carter and Harvey have taken on countless game-day roles, while Gayle and Jesse have been ever-present in their support of our players and community.

“It’s hard to imagine the “Turtledome” without the Sleemans.”

DIV 3: WHY NIPPER CHOSE MERNDA COACHING JOB

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

DIV 3: EX-AFL STAR’S MATCH-WINNING TURN FOR HOERS

After recent success, it has been a difficult season for the club.

The Turtles sit 11th on the ladder with just two wins from 13 starts, going down to Kinglake by 76 points on Saturday.

The club faces fourth-placed Ivanhoe, second-placed Laurimar and last-placed Lalor in the final month of the season.

Old Eltham Collegians join Heidelberg West and Kilmore in officially looking for a new coach, while Mernda has appointed Brent Marshall for 2026.

KILMORE LOOKING FOR NEW COACH

A third NFNL Division 3 club is now looking for a new senior coach.

Kilmore announced on Friday, Paul Derrick would not be seeking reappointment for the role heading into next season.

The man affectionately known as Desi has been in the senior role since 2023 after previously coaching the under-19s.

“When Desi began his senior coaching journey with us, he inherited a very young side, and under his guidance, the club and senior group has grown both on and off the field,” the club said in a statement.

“From the training ground to match day, Desi brought passion, professionalism, and a relentless drive to succeed.

“We also extend our sincere appreciation to assistant coaches Craig Micallef and Marcus Webb, whose dedication and expertise have been invaluable to the team’s development and the club’s growth during this period.

“We sincerely thank Paul, Craig, and Marcus for their service and the memorable moments they helped create during their tenure.”

Kilmore still has plenty to play for this season, sitting in seventh position on the ladder, a game and percentage outside of the top-five.

They’ll face Reservoir on Saturday at JJ Clancy Reserve from 2.15pm.

HEIDELBERG WEST LOOKING FOR NEW COACH

Heidelberg West and coach Dale Mayne will part ways at the end of the season.

The Hawks announced the decision on Wednesday.

Mayne took the reins at Heidelberg Park ahead of the 2024 season but has been unable to lift the club into NFNL Division 3 finals contention.

West finished ninth with a 5-11 record in his first season in charge and is currently sitting ninth with a two wins and 10 losses this season.

In a club statement, Heidelberg West thanked Mayne for his commitment to the club.

“Heidelberg West Football Netball Club wishes to advise senior coach Dale Mayne and the club have mutually agreed to part ways at the conclusion of the 2025 season,” the statement read.

“Dale’s impact on our football program extends well beyond wins and losses.

“He was a driving force in reshaping the culture of Heidelberg West, guiding the playing group through a significant period of transition.

“Throughout his tenure, Dale navigated considerable player turnover and the evolving challenges of a Division 3 competition that has become as strong and competitive as we’ve seen in recent years.

“His commitment to building a youth-first foundation, fostering development and creating a positive environment around the entire club has helped set the club up well for the future.”

Heidelberg West suffered a surprise 12-point loss to struggling Old Eltham Collegians on Saturday

A trip to Lalor awaits on Saturday before a clash against Reservoir at home, a bye and then Kilmore and Mernda to finish.

DIV 2: WHY AMORE’S TIME WAS UP AT PANTON HILL

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

DIV 1: WHY ELTHAM’S PERFECT WEEKEND COULD BE COSTLY

Off-season recruit Bryce Barnes leads the club’s goalkicking with 26 majors in 12 appearances, while Ryan Offer has 11.

Brad Moore and Jarryd Coulson’s return to the club this season has been critical, with Moore in particular among the best on a weekly basis, while Michael Italia has continued his strong form after coming across last year.

Barnes, Max Brown, James Mefflin and Will Bruce are among the club’s strong young core, while Mitch Antonello was a boom mid-season addition from Deer Park.

Heidelberg West joins fellow Division 3 club Mernda in looking for a new coach, while Division 2 outfit Panton Hill has also announced it is in the hunt.

Originally published as Heidelberg West, Kilmore and Old Eltham Collegians looking for new coaches in 2026