A second Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) senior coach has announced their resignation from the role in as little as two weeks.
Lilydale Football Netball Club announced on Sunday 29 June, that its senior men’s coach, Duncan Jones, resigned, effective immediately, due to personal reasons.
It follows the announcement that Montrose senior men’s coach Gary Ayres would be stepping down from the role come the end of the season.
Jones joined Lilydale as coach for the 2025 season, having previously coached Whitehorse, assistant-coached at Park Orchards and previously spent time at Williamstown VFL as head of development.
“(He) has contributed to the development of the playing group and broader football program during his time at the club,” a club statement reads.
“The club acknowledges his efforts and time committed throughout his period as senior coach and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
Speaking to the EFNL ahead of the season, Jones said he was “happy with the vision the club gave me” and really wanted to push for a finals appearance.
He was also wanting to build a more modern game plan.
In comments from club members on the announcement post, they thanked Jones for not only investing in the player but in the person.
“(You) bought us a long way forward in the way we play as a team and club. Hope your coaching expertise (isn’t) lost to football in the long term,” one person said.
“You gave your all to the club, the jumper, and most importantly, to the young men under your care. You built belief when confidence was low, you invested in the person, not just the player,” another person said.
There was no confirmation on who would be stepping into the role for the remainder of the season.
Lilydale’s 2025 Division Two run has seen the side win two and lose nine after 11 rounds, placing them tenth on the ladder out of 10 teams.
