Murchison-Toolamba’s dual-premiership coach will vacate the role at the end of the 2026 season, citing family reasons and the need for a new voice at the top after four seasons at the helm.
“(After) four years, I’ve probably had enough,” Foley said.
“I think they need a new voice; four years listening to the same bloke is probably enough.
“The kids are getting older, the young bloke plays footy, the daughter plays netball at Murch.
“Hopefully, we have another win at the end of the year and go out on top.”
The first-time senior football coach was signed ahead of the 2023 campaign and set out to lead the Hoppers to the promised land.
After bowing out in that year’s semi-final, back-to-back flag glory was theirs after conquering Shepparton East and then Lancaster, establishing the club as a modern-day powerhouse of Kyabram District League.
“Obviously they took me on as an untried senior coach which was a bit of a privilege,” the 2025 KDL Coach of the Year said.
“A bit of credit probably goes to Nick Iorianni and the boys previously – they sort of set up the list and I just got in a couple other pieces as the years have gone on.
“I enjoyed my time immensely. You go and win two of the three years, you feel lucky I suppose.
“Plenty of hard work's gone on before I got there, plenty of hard work's gone on while I've been there, and hopefully once I leave it just keeps going and going.”
Before Foley steps away, Murchison remains in the hunt to become the league’s first three-peat premier since 1960.
The Hoppers haven’t had as dominant a run as in recent campaigns, but nonetheless sit third with a 10-3 record.
They’re also the only team to knock off ladder leader Nagambie this season.
Murchison is yet to see a full-strength side hit the park, but has still been well-served by the Lloyd brothers, James and Aidan, placed second and third in the league goal-kicking with 60 and 50 goals respectively.
A pair of late recruits are also making an impact in defence, with former GVL under-18 representative Keelan Phillips and former Mooroopna defender Ajak Dang lifting the back six in the absence of Andrew Lloyd.
“They've been nice pick ups just to give the back six a chop out without Andy,” Foley said.
“Hopefully we get Andy back coming up to finals because when he's at full flight there's no-one better in the league.
“We’ve got some firepower in the midfield with (Jai) Utiger, (Lachy) Seddon and obviously James Milne.
“With our full side I think we’ll give it another red-hot crack – we’ve just got to get that side out on the park.”
Murchison-Toolamba hosts fifth-placed Avenel at Murchison Recreation Reserve in round 15 before facing Undera and Tallygaroopna in the final two games.
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