By JARROD POTTER
WIN, lose or draw, Noble Park coach Mick Fogarty went into Saturday’s clash against Balwyn knowing he’d tell the team he wouldn’t be their coach next year.
With his side in the hunt for a third premiership in four years in his tenure – following the 2010-11 back-to-back successes – Fogarty felt the timing was right to step aside and give someone else a chance to steer the Bulls in 2014.
“We’ve had a really good run, it’s probably a good opportunity for the club to look for someone else and take our club to the next level,” Fogarty said.
“Win, lose or draw, I was going to announce it – this time last year I had thoughts about whether to go on, but I went another year.”
Noble Park knocked down the ladder-leading Balwyn, but couldn’t deliver the finishing blow in an 18-point loss.
Akin to a pair of prize boxers going toe-to-toe, the Tigers and Bulls exchanged goals in a back-and-forth that all at Balwyn Park were convinced was grand final intensity.
Neither side could turn a two-goal lead into a match-winning advantage through the first three terms – Balwyn stars Shane Tregear, Jayden Hoegel (four goals) and Brett Dore kicked his fourth goal early into the final term, but the Bulls couldn’t hold their nerve as the Tigers ran over the top and proved exactly why they’re on top of the EFL.
Mick Fogarty said his side proved it can defeat the top EFL brass – Balwyn and Vermont – but needs to put in four quarters to get the job done.
“Just another bloody lost opportunity in regards to us winning a game to consolidate third spot,” Fogarty said.
“We didn’t take our chances again in front of goal, so we’ve got to find a way to win against the top teams.
“I think the fact that Balwyn has been the best team all year – couple of their players around the footy won contested footy and kicked some pretty tight goals on us – which is what good sides do.”
Fogarty praised his defenders – especially Jarryd Plymin and Trent Robinson, while his midfielders Sam Monaghan and Tim Harper and star forward Brett Dore (four goals) also caught the coach’s attention.
Noble Park slips to fourth, falling behind Norwood – which claimed a 41-point win over South Croydon – and will look to bounce back against Knox this round at home.
Fogarty was happy to see his phone full of messages of support from his players – urging him to stay on next year – but his mind was made up.
“I’ve got meetings with the president today (Tuesday) and the players have been great,” Fogarty said.
“They’re shocked – had a lot of texts saying for me to go on.
“It’s a fantastic young group and it’s hard for me to walk away, but there’s a time in your life when you’ve got to do these things.
“The players are terrific players and the club should be set up well for the next few years for sure.”
It will draw to a close a coaching career that started at ROC in 1995 as a captain-coach, claiming back-to-back premierships with the Kangaroos before focusing on his coaching.
“Not interested in coaching local again … been coaching since 1995 … I’ve had my turn at the local level and a new chapter is now going.
“That will probably be it for me … not hanging out or applying for any jobs.
“I’m quite comfortable … I’ve been coaching for 18-19 years so I’m done.”
Noble Park has won four premierships since joining the Eastern Football League in 2000.
There’s one last task at hand for Fogarty in his time as Bulls head coach – win the cup and bow out on top.
“We’ve still got unfinished business and think we can win a premiership,” he said.
“Bit of luck and get a double chance – we are ultra-competitive against the Vermonts and Balwyns – I think we have plenty of unfinished business.”
