The long-time Suns coach will return to his post for the 2025 Victorian Premier League Two season, marking his seventh campaign in charge of the Orangemen.
Carley took over the reins from Nick Kalafatis in the lead up to the 2018 season and, bar a short stint away from the club to join Shepparton South in 2022, has remained ever-present heading the Suns’ rank and file at McEwen Reserve.
Although, he’ll be praying for stiller waters than those travelled in 2024.
His side had a brush with exile from the VPL2 in the most recent campaign, managing to avoid the drop by three points following a barnstorming run of form in the final five games.
Now, with a new motive in mind, Carley shifted his gaze to the other end of the ladder for 2025.
“I am incredibly excited to work with our current roster of players, bolstering it where needed, and building strength and resilience in a team that will compete fiercely for promotion next season,” he said.
Carley will be joined by partner in crime Rob Harmeston, who will serve as assistant coach after first coming aboard from Shepparton South at the start of the year.
Down a step, Suns under-23 coach Ryan Hassett has since departed the club as he detailed a desire to explore new opportunities out of state.
The Welshman led the young Suns to a first-ever league title in 2024 and moves on with much adoration from the club.
Meanwhile, a volley of Suns graduates are gearing up for a new tilt in the professional game during the warmer months.
Magnetic striker Alou Kuol begins another season in the A-League as his Central Coast Mariners run into a grand final rematch against Melbourne Victory in Friday night’s season opener.
Kuol led the line for the Mariners in a season that yielded a premiership and championship double during 2023-24, hoping to recreate the success on the coast once again.
His brother Garang, contracted to English giant Newcastle United, remains in limbo after suffering a grade three hamstring tear in September which will sideline him for another month.
Lastly, fellow Suns export Leia Varley has another fortnight of waiting before a potential Brisbane Roar debut in the A-League Women.
The Finley product signed for the Queensland club last month and has a chance to feature when the Roar’s season kicks off on November 2 against Canberra United.
