Shepparton United and Mansfield are among those moving to a two-coach system for the 2025 campaign, with the Demons making immediate moves across their football and netball departments.
With Duane Hueston having vacated the senior post at Deakin Reserve after news of his looming departure first filtered through about the halfway mark of the year, two personalities arrive to take that place jointly.
Jesse Cucinotta takes the reins — or half the reins — following a successful first year back in the red and blue as a player out of the VFL, averaging 26.8 touches and 4.4 inside 50s a game for United.
He remains on in a playing capacity, joined by non-playing coach Trent Freer.
Freer is no stranger to the caper, of course, having just recently had his hands full as an assistant coach for the local junior talents representing our region in the V/Line Cup last week after himself coming up through Mooroopna before spending time at United as a player.
An intriguing arrangement towards season’s end had Freer pinch-hit in an almost consultant-like role for the Demons’ final three games of 2024, so there’s little issue with familiarity.
“A few guys reached out and asked if I was interested in it,” Freer said.
“I helped Jesse out a bit on the sidelines late in the year and I was really happy with the direction the club is going, so it’s worked out well.
“It was a left field idea that (football operations manager Jason Kelly) came up with and it really worked. It was a good opportunity to get to know each other a bit.
“With my coaching methods meeting in the middle with what the club wants me to do, it feels on the right track to climb back up that ladder.”
Indeed, there is plenty of climbing still to do.
The Demons languished at the foot for much of the season, settling for 11th place with three wins and a draw in 2024.
As Freer and Cucinotta adjust to the role — and each other — during pre-season, however, the feeling is one of great optimism.
“We’re going to have to learn the craft together,” Freer said.
“I’m very excited to learn alongside him as his leadership values are really good; I’m happy to be part of the journey.
“I’m just very excited for the club. There’s a really good balance of some players who have a big future, and it’s going to be good to watch over the next couple of years.
“If I can have a bit of input and make them better for it, we can see how far we can push the group.”
Meanwhile, in the high country a new appointment is in though current boss and ex-Gold Coast Sun Jack Hutchins remains at the helm.
Hutchins will be joined in overseeing the side by longtime Eagles assistant coach Mitch Wareham, who has plied his trade as second in command for the blue and gold across the past couple of seasons.
It was a roller-coaster 2024 for Hutchins’ men, opening with consecutive defeats to eventual grand finalists Echuca and Shepparton before finishing a game out of finals with an 8-10 record.
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