Tara Murray
New Keilor Park women’s coach Marcus Barclay hadn’t planned on coaching next year.
The Essendon District Football League division 1 coach of the year at Airport West, decided that he needed a break.
But the offers started to flow in to continue to coach, including one from the Devils, a club close to his heart.
Barclay decided the fit was right and will now coach the side next season.
“I wasn’t sure that I wanted to coach any more,” he said. “I’ve been coaching for about 15 years and I’ve done men’s and women’s.
“I spoke to Airport West about half way through this year about it and they offered me so many different roles to keep me involved.
“In terms of coaching I thought it might be it. My partner said what else are we going to do in winter?
“Five or six clubs reached out after finals and I thought maybe I’m doing something right. Keilor Park reached out and it was a good fit.”
Barclay is no stranger to the Devils.
He played at the club, coached the men’s program and was appointed coach of the women’s side for the 2020 season which was later cancelled.
Since then he coached Airport West’s women’s side for three seasons taking it to two grand finals and a premiership in division 2, while it made a preliminary final this year in division 1.
Barclay said with Keilor Park not having juniors, there was a real emphasis on women’s football and providing it with the support needed.
He said it was good to finally have a chance to lead the Devils women’s side.
“I didn’t get the chance to coach last time,” he said. “I thought why not go again.
“I had a good group of girls here. It’s my home club.”
After not having a women’s team since 2019, the Devils reformed one this year and made finals in division 1.
Their season ended at the hands of Barclay and his Eagles.
Barclay is full of credit for what this year’s coach, Luke Baker, did this season to get the team back and up going.
“Full credit goes to Luke,” he said. “I met him a couple of times and he has a real passion for women’s football.
“He built the entire team from scratch and I couldn’t have done that. Whatever happens next year is a credit to him.”
Barclay said one exciting thing for the Devils was that they were looking at having an under-10 girls team.
He said it was important for the young girls to have players to look up to.”
Barclay met with the playing group on Monday night for the first time. He said anyone who wanted to join the side was welcome to come down.
