THE Murray Bushrangers will begin the search for a new senior coach in the coming weeks after Darren Ogier announced his departure from the club on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The former Carlton, North Melbourne and Sydney player took over from 2008 premiership coach Phil Bunn in 2010, and guided the TAC Cup side to finals appearances in 2012, 2013, 2014 and a top-four finish in 2015.
Family commitments were behind Ogier’s decision to leave the club, and he is now likely to return to Melbourne.
Ogier coached more than 195 players during his tenure with the Bushrangers, and boasted a strong record at the national draft.
The likes of North Malbourne’s Kayne Turner, Port Adelaide’s Jarman Impey and Richmond’s Nathan Drummond all excelled under Ogier’s guidance, and have gone on to make their mark at their respective AFL clubs.
Bushrangers talent manager Lee Fraser said Ogier has left the club in great shape for the years to come.
“Not only was Darren’s work with the players who came through the club outstanding, he’s also done a mountain of work with our coaching staff,” Fraser said.
“An excellent coaching culture was built under his leadership.
“The players have a lot of respect for him as well, and developed well under his watch.
“A lot of them walked into the club as kids and left it as confident, strong footballers.
“His record at the draft speaks for itself.”
The Bushrangers are likely to have a number of players continue Ogier’s success at the draft table, with Seymour key forward Josh Schache likely to be taken in the top five.
Mooroopna’s Clayton Oliver’s strong end to the season has seen him firm as a potential top 20 selection, while Albury duo Nick Coughlan and Lachlan Tiziani spent plenty of time playing state league football this season.
Playing VFL for Footscray and in the NEAFL for Greater Western Sydney respectively, both are seen as potential second or third round picks, with GWS showing some interest in using an Academy selection on Tiziani.
Benalla’s David Mennen did his draft chances no harm in 2015 either, with the versatile tall spending time with Collingwood in the VFL.
Fraser said the senior coaching position would be advertised in the coming weeks.
“There has been some interest in the position already, and we also have a few people in mind that we might approach,” he said.
“It provides an exciting for a passionate, hardworking coach with a clear motivation to educate, develop and mentor young talent.”