BY NATHAN DOLE
A NEWCOMER to senior coaching, Ethan Foreman can draw on experiences from many mentors across his footy career.
The 30-year-old steps up to be Kyneton Football Netball Club’s senior coach in ’24.
Not only do the Tigers have a new coach, but they will compete in the Riddell FNL, a league Foreman had played in previously with for Riddell Bombers.
Kyneton’s request to move is not being blocked by the Bendigo FNL.
After more than 90 years in the BFNL the yellow and black will start a new era.
Foreman’s move to playing coach was an opportunity he was keen to grasp.
“Aspirations to be a senior coach had grown the past couple of years,” said Foreman, captured in action for the Tigers by Bendigo Advertiser photographer Noni Hyett this season.
In 2023, Foreman coached Kyneton’s under-18s team which finished seventh on a 6-12 record.
From his days with the Bendigo Pioneers in the-then TAC Cup under-18s competition across 2010 and ’11, or senior footy with Kyneton, Riddell or Gisborne, Foreman said he had learnt a lot from all his coaches.
In 2022 he spent a fair time with Gisborne in the coaches box recovering from a hamstring injury.
He returned to an on-field role as the Rob Waters-coached Bulldogs won the premiership.
“I learnt a lot from Rob, especially from being in the coaches box on game day,” Foreman said.
Past mentors have included Luke Beattie and Paul Chapman at Kyneton, and Mark Ellis at Bendigo Pioneers.
“Although it was not a long stint, being in a team coached by someone of Chappy’s experience from the AFL was a huge help for me.”
Foreman also had spent time with Craig McRae when he was at Richmond.
“The game style Craig has brought to Collingwood and his connection with players is incredible.
“It’s not all about ranting and raving at breaks in quarters, but working on developing game plans and getting the best from every player in every game.
“That’s the challenge I am really looking forward to.”
Foreman said a big goal in the lead-up to ’24 was retaining as many of Kyneton’s locally-grown players to be part of the Tigers’ next journey.
“It would not have been an easy call for the committee to decide to leave the Bendigo league, but it is best for the club and community.
“We already have some of our best players committed for next season,” Foreman said.
“Harrison Huntley will play on in the yellow and black, and Cameron Manuel has also signed on.
“They are both such important players for us.
“A big focus is the younger players staying with us, not just for next season, but well into the future.
“There may be some players who have left in the past few years that decide to return to Kyneton.”
Foreman achieved premiership success with Riddell when he was best afield in the 2013 grand final against Diggers Rest.
Kyneton will now work on building a rivalry with the likes of Riddell, Romsey, Woodend-Hesket, Macedon, and Diggers Rest which is 15-1 this season.
An electrician, Foreman may switch to a new on-field role.
“The last few games of this season I went to a half-back flank. A lot of my career had been midfield or forward, but I did play defence with the Pioneers.”
His run, skill and leadership will be a huge plus in the Tigers’ back six.
This season Foreman was able to string 18 consecutive matches.
“I had missed a lot of footy the previous three years because of Covid and injury.”
Another goal is for Kyneton’s pre-season to kick off mid-November.
Foreman’s build-up will include training for some triathlons.
“Doing that means it’s not as hard when footy training does start.”