Human highlight reel: Merrigum’s new coach Jaydon Stiles is a noted high flyer.
Merrigum Bulldogs have got their man.
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The Kyabram District Football League club has appointed a football journeyman as playing coach for the next two seasons.
Jaydon Stiles, who has played at the top level in the South Australian Football League, has landed the job and the club could not be happier with the appointment.
He replaces non-playing coach Steve Lawlor who has stepped down after five years in the role.
Stiles has coached Macorna in the Golden Rivers league for the past two seasons and hauled the club to the brink of the top four this season.
The 28-year-old key forward who started his career at his home town of Portland with Portland Tigers has played with Port Fairy (Hampden League), Sturt (SANFL) Vermont (Melbourne suburban league), Natimuk (Horsham District League) and Macorna.
New coach: Merrigum’s newly appointed coach Jaydon Stiles.
He also spent the 2000 season playing in Gunnendah in northern NSW after COVID wiped out the most of the Victorian leagues in 2020 and played in a premiership winning side in that year.
While Stiles, who has a reputation for having a big leap and ability to take spectacular marks, hopes to bring success for the club on field he said creating a positive culture on and off the field would be a priority.
‘‘I’ve already met the leadership group and they impressed me,’’ Stiles said.
While Merrigum is to lose the Martin brothers — Ryan and Jacob — ruckman Jake Ross and probably veteran star Rohan Hearn, the new coach is expected to attract some new players to the club including his brother Josh, a strong utility player.
According to Merrigum’s president-elect Andrew Parkinson, who will take over the club’s top administration role from long-serving club stalwart Greg Pell, Stiles’ appointment has created a big buzz around the club
‘‘We did our due diligence on him (Stiles) and everyone had a good word for him. He is not only a good footballer but a good citizen, so we have got both,’’ Parkinson said.
Stiles lives in Echuca and works as a teacher’s aide as well as running his own business as an entertainment events co-ordinator.
Stiles’ appointment has completed the Bulldogs’ coaching panel for the club for 2023.
Leigh Cuthbert will again be the reserves coach and Tyler Howard is the new thirds coach.
The club is arranging a function to welcome Stiles to the club.
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