MICK’S MISSION

By Matt Fotia

Just weeks after he parted ways with his long time (footballing) partner in Noble Park, Mick Fogarty has jumped back on the horse, signing on to become senior coach of the Beaconsfield Football Club for season 2020.

Fogarty was (and still is) the longest serving coach in Noble Park’s storied history, having coached the Bulls from 2010-2013 – a period which included back to back Eastern Football League Division One Premierships in 2010 and 2011 – and from 2015-2019.

Fogarty appreciates however that all good things must come to an end.

“It was a great ride (at Noble Park), to last that long at a local football club is pretty amazing,”

“I’m just happy to have had that amount of time and look it’s just one of those things, I’d had my time and it was time to move on.”

Despite having been in coaching game for as long many can remember, there was no chance that Fogarty would be taking a break from the magnets, with the fire still burning brightly for the Eagles new head honcho.

“There was no real thought of not coaching again, I was pretty keen to get back into it,”

“I reckon if I did (stop), that might be it.”

“I’ve still got that desire, I’m really energised and really excited about a new challenge.”

With a CV as good as his, it’s no surprise that Fogarty didn’t have to wait long for offers to come across his desk.

The Berwick resident was linked with multiple jobs in the West Gippsland competition as well as the Outer East with not only the Beaconsfield job available, but also Berwick and Narre Warren on the look out for a new coach, after all of the Premier Division’s top three parted ways with their senior coaches in Leigh McQuillen, Rhys Nisbet and Matt Shinners respectively.

But with young talent oozing out of every nook and cranny at Holm Park, it was the Eagles who got a hold of Fogarty’s signature, and whilst he’s still figuring out what needs fixing up, the promotion of youth will still be the number one route that the 2019 preliminary finalists take.

“They’ve (Beaconsfield) got some really good juniors and some really exciting players on a very young list,”

“What we need is something I’m still going through at the moment, all that list management stuff,”

“But we’ll keep promoting youth through and keep giving the kids a go, an opportunity to play senior football and expose them to the level.”

Fogarty isn’t coming in blind when it comes to opposition intel. He’s been involved in South East Football for awhile, having previously coached ROC (now Officer) for six years during the 90’s and has kept tabs on the new league via his local newspaper.

“I followed it (AFL Outer East) because I live in Berwick, so I follow it via the local paper, so I’ve got a good grasp (on who’s who),”

“Plus there’s what you’re told, its (the competition) had its first year this year and it’s exciting you know,”

“It’s still football, no matter where you play it.”