Kasey Duncan, who led Avenel for five seasons, has locked in his position for another year as head coach of North Heidelberg with three rounds remaining in the home and away season.
Duncan initially joined the Bulldogs as a player in 2023, and though knee troubles hampered his playing time, his coaching nous was soon identified at Shelley Park.
He took over the senior mentorship from legendary figure Jason Heatley approaching the 2025 season, and if there were any doubts about his re-commitment for 2026, Duncan swiftly put those to bed while speaking with The Northern Footy Show.
“My commitment to the Doggies was never in question,” he said.
“I love the place and the people here, and I have invested in getting game time into the youth this year – and that will continue.
“I thank the committee for their trust in me, and we still have work to do this year. I'm looking forward to a huge 2026 now too.”
North Heidelberg sits just outside of the top five with a kind run of fixtures to round out the home and away season.
Duncan will be hoping to steer the Bulldogs into finals during his first season solely at the helm, and he’ll have some ex-Goulburn Valley League artillery to help him do so.
Four-time GVL premiership star Lachie Smith, a past staple of Kyabram, has been in fine form for North Heidelberg with 27 goals in 13 games, while Euroa-raised jet Ben Giobbi has chipped in with eight majors while also being named in the best nine times.
Prior to his tenure at Avenel, Duncan also ran amok in the GVL.
He played three seasons at Euroa and spent a year at Seymour before joining the Swans in the KDL, going on to win the league best-and-fairest, the McNamara Medal, in 2017.
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