Tara Murray
New Hillside coach Mo Kaakour is excited to get back into the senior coaching hot seat in the Essendon District Football League.
The former Westmeadows coach was on Tuesday named the Sharks coach for next year.
He had been an assistant coach at the Sharks this year, looking after the midfield.
The Sharks had announced the day before that this year’s coach Chris Daley was standing down after one year in the job.
The club said Daley had made the decision to step aside to focus on some personal plans in the upcoming year.
Kaakour said he was itching to get back into it. He left Westmeadows for a role in the Victorian Football League.
“I just couldn’t commit at VFL level anymore as work got a little bit busy,” he said. “I’d stayed connected this year at Hillside and just the list and the youth coming through and I just wanted to get back to local and coach again, and coach my own side.
“Very excited, looking forward to it. Roll the sleeves and get to work.”
Kaakour said being an assistant coach this year meant he got to know the Sharks and the playing group and built those connections in the group.
He said it would make it easier stepping into the senior role.
“I got to know the mids really well and I obviously had some conversations with others as well.”
Kaakour said the group was disappointed with how the 2024 season ended and were keen to grow into the future.
After finishing third, they lost both their finals to be knocked out in the semi finals.
“We definitely ticked some boxes as we wanted to give ourselves an opportunity to finish in the top three and get a double chance and give ourselves the best possible chance,” he said.
“There’s some disappointment. Hopefully that can drive the group through pre-season and we can add to a young and youthful list and go that step further and win a final or two.”
Kaakour said the main aim would be to retain the list they’ve got and give their under-18s that are coming through every opportunity to play senior football.
He said they would add what they need, likely two or three players.
The Sharks thanked Daley for his time in the role.
“Chris has been an exemplary figure at Hillside Football Club, both as senior coach and in his previous role as senior assistant,” the club said. “His professionalism, leadership and dedication have earned him immense respect across the entire club, from players to staff and beyond.
“Following recent knee surgery, Chris is eager to focus on his recovery and getting back to full health. “Additionally, he has exciting holiday plans lined up for next year, which means he won’t be able to commit to the responsibilities of a senior coach position for the 2025 season.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Chris for all that he has contributed to our club. His commitment, passion, and embodiment of our “one club, multiple teams” philosophy have left a lasting impact. His leadership has set a strong foundation for the team, and his influence will be felt long after his time as coach.”
