Euroa Football Netball Club has confirmed the appointment of Brad Gleeson as senior football coach for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, with club president Scott Watson hailing the move as a key step forward for the Magpies.

“Euroa FNC are delighted to announce Brad Gleeson as the appointment to the senior football coach role for seasons 2026/27,” Watson said.

“Brad brings a wealth of local football knowledge to the role and has hit the ground running, connecting with outgoing coach Dave Gleeson in what has been a very positive handover.”

The announcement comes after the conclusion of the 2025 season, which was led by David Gleeson, who along with assistants Neale Poole and Chris Burke, played a major role in guiding the senior side this year.

“The club again wish to acknowledge and thank the enormous amount of work, leadership and positive guidance outgoing coach Dave Gleeson and his assistants Neale Poole and Chris Burke have brought to the senior football side in season 2025,” Watson said.

“Their capacity to draw the senior players together, provide opportunities to develop and reward them with the chance to play senior GVL football has been very much appreciated by members, sponsors and supporters of the club.”

For new senior coach Brad Gleeson, the appointment is both a professional challenge and a personal milestone.

“Thank you. It’s a real honour to be given the opportunity to coach Euroa,” Gleeson said.

“This is a proud club with a strong history and to be trusted to lead the playing group into its next chapter is something I take with great responsibility and excitement.”

Gleeson has a long association with Euroa, stretching back to his junior playing days, and has previously coached the Under-18s and served as a senior assistant.

More recently, he gained valuable experience in his first senior coaching role with Violet Town.

“Coaching Violet Town was an invaluable experience,” Gleeson reflected.

“I learned quickly that success only comes when everyone is genuinely invested.

"That time sharpened my resolve and made me clearer on the type of culture I want to build here at Euroa.”

Looking ahead, Gleeson is determined to build on the strong local base within the Magpies’ playing list.

“Euroa is fortunate to have a talented group of local players and I see that as the backbone of our future success,” he said.

“My focus will always start with developing and backing in the current group, but like every club, if there are opportunities to bring in the right people, we’ll explore them.”

Pre-season is scheduled to begin in early to mid-November, with Gleeson outlining a strong emphasis on conditioning, discipline, and defensive structure.

“From day one the message will be clear, we’re setting the bar high,” he said.

“We want to become harder to score against, more organised behind the ball, and fitter than ever.

That will give our young group the confidence and foundation to take the next step.”

Building Connections Across the Club

Gleeson will also be working closely with the club’s other coaches to create a connected football program.

In the coming weeks he will liaise with 2025 Reserves Co-Coaches Declan Redfern and James Henry, as well as Under-18 Coach Matthew Mills and his assistant Brad Howell, to finalise the 2026 coaching structure.

“I’m really hopeful a number of the current coaching staff will stay,” Gleeson said.

“They’ve done a great job and already have strong connections with the players.

"At the same time, I’m open to bringing in fresh voices, past players or new faces who want to be part of the journey.

“What excites me most is the chance to lead a club that means so much to its people.

“We’ve got a talented young list.

"My job is to challenge them, push them, and help them reach levels they haven’t before.

"I want Euroa to play a brand of football the whole town can get behind.”

While the senior football baton has been passed on, Netball remains focused on the immediate task ahead.

The 2025 GVL finals series ramps up.

Four of the club’s five netball sides will be in action this weekend:

Under-15s face Echuca in an elimination final on Saturday August 30 in Rochester.

B-Reserve also play in Rochester on Saturday against Shepparton Swans in an elimination final.

Ellie Warnock's A Grade team finished second and play Shepparton Bears in a qualifying final on Sunday in Benalla.

B Grade also secured second and take on Seymour in their qualifying final game.