New Hillside women’s coach Chris Daley didn’t hesitate to take on the role at the Essendon District Football League premier division side.
Daley, who previously coached the Sharks men’s side, stood back from full time coaching this year due to travelling overseas.
Unable to stay away from football and Hillside, he took on a part time assistant role with the Sharks women’s side.
Now he will guide the side next season as he replaces premiership coach Blaise Ferraro who has stepped down after coaching the team for two seasons.
Daley said he was excited for the new challenge.
“They’ve had a couple of really good years and leading into next year we’re in a really good position,” he said.
“I worked with them this year as an assistant in a part time role and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
“When this opportunity came up it was an easy fit. I’ve developed nice relationships with the group and it’s a talented group.”
Daley said he knew he was always going to miss coaching when he stepped away from the men’s program.
He said he still enjoyed the art of coaching and the ability to help others improve their games and see growth in the group.
Daley said he was always going to explore coaching options for 2026 and this was perfect for him and there was no hesitation to say no.
While having been part of the Sharks, Daley said this was the first time he had the chance to really get to know the women’s playing group.
“I didn’t know a lot about them,” he said. “The senior women train at different venues and play at the same time.
“It was a great intro into the women’s program and Blaise has done an amazing job with them.”
Both Sharks senior women’s sides made the grand final this year, with the premier division side claiming the premiership in a thriller.
With the club confident of getting under-18s back up and going, Daley said they were in a really good position with their senior women’s program.
“The club is confident in getting 18s up,” he said. “We had solid numbers in the 16s and in the 18 age group we had players move clubs as we didn’t have a side.
“Quite a few are coming back and it will set the program up for the long term.”
The Sharks have announced Lindon Way, Rob Gray and Heath Day will coach the under-18 girls.
