CDHBU’s senior football coach Kyle Docherty has solidified his commitment to lead the charge to the finals and beyond after signing a two-year contract extension. Photos by Alastair Robb.
The Power’s senior football coach Kyle Docherty has committed himself to the team with a two-year contract extension.
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This news comes as a resounding vote of confidence in Docherty’s coaching ability, following his impressive debut season as head coach in 2023.
The former Ballarat and Mornington Peninsula Nepean talent took over at the conclusion of the 2022 season last year, marking his first coaching role after serving as the senior assistant coach since his signing with the club in 2021. Docherty’s leadership and expertise have had an instant impact on the team, propelling them towards a potential return to the finals for the first time since 2016.
Docherty, who also plays as a coach, expressed his excitement about the contract extension, affirming his commitment to lead the team for the next two years. Under his guidance, the Power has performed admirably, solidifying their position in the finals race, and securing nine wins out of fourteen matches so far.
“Our aim at the start of the year was to play finals, and it looks like it looks like we’ve solidified our spot now from the results on the weekend,” Docherty said.
“We managed to win against Lockhart obviously and they are one of the teams that are knocking down the door of the top six.
“So, we go three games clear of them, and Jindera, with four games remaining so unless something crazy happens we should make finals.
“It’s probably the first time all year that we’ve been able to look forward and think, okay, we are a big chance now.”
“This week’s a huge game against Henty, we’re just going to go there and get the win. But it’s been a really a solid season up until now.
Reflecting on the season’s progress, Docherty acknowledged the challenges of maintaining consistency due to a mix of young players experiencing their first senior footy season and some experienced players going overseas. However, he praised the team’s resilience, singling out key contributors like Brendan Morris, the consistent half-back player, and Deakin Clancy, the young talent who stepped up in the absence of the ruckman.
“Thankfully we’ve had a consistent group of 12 or 13 guys who haven’t missed many games and I think that’s how we’ve seen good steps throughout the year,” Docherty said.
Under Docherty’s leadership, the seniors are on the cusp of breaking a premiership drought.
“Nathan Rhodes, our captain, hurt his ankle for a couple of weeks there but he has been unbelievable all year.
“Mick Collins our full back, is just someone that has never missed a game and probably never will because he just loves playing… he’s been a consistent contributor. So having those key cogs all throughout the field has held us in good stead.
“We would have loved to have had our best 21 out on the park because maybe we could have snuffled a couple of extra wins, but we’ve done pretty well with what we’ve come up with.”
The club’s football manager Paul Rippingale said he was pleased to be extending Docherty’s contract with finals always the primary goal.
“Kyle’s a great leader and has steered the seniors in the right direction,” he said.
“The players have really got behind him. Making finals was always the goal, and they have done that. The club couldn’t be happier, and it gives us confidence about the direction the football department is heading in. We’re obviously doing something right.”
Rippingale also mentioned the positive outlook for the club, with four coaches already on board for the next year, including Aaron Phibbs for Reserves, Josh Black for Under 17s, and Paul Phibbs for the Under 14s.
“At the moment we look likely to have all four grades play finals which would be a huge achievement as a footy club and something to build on in years to come,” he said.
“The under 14s love their footy and have really persevered this year.
“Across the board, all the coaches and staff have put in a lot of hard work, and we are really fortunate to be in this position.”
The Power community has been a driving force behind the team’s success, with their unwavering passion and support. Docherty praised the community, especially the farming community that has faced tough challenges.
“It is really a family club that unites the community, particularly the farming community who have had a tough few years with poor harvest conditions,” he said.
“There’s nothing better than Saturday afternoon footy; it’s the lifeblood of those smaller communities.
“The supporters are the most passionate, supportive community. They ride the wave with us, the highs, and the lows. When we lose, they are disappointed, and we sense that. But it all comes from a good place, especially when we look back on the weekend just gone- it was unbelievable out there at Coreen.
“We had our ladies’ day, there was 1973 premiership reunion, there was a bye in the Ovens and Murray, so I feel like there was a lot more people out there. It was a great atmosphere.”
With the contract extension, Docherty aims to focus on the upcoming finals series and further strengthen the club’s foundation for the future.
“The focus now is to go to a final series and hopefully get a win and then sort of look forward to the next couple of years and provide a bit of stability for the club,” Docherty stated.
“You know, the recruitment side of things is always one of the biggest challenges for any local football team, and hopefully with us playing finals, it will maybe attract a few other guys to come and play for us.”
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