Rooster crows at SANFL coaching opportunity

Jack Kelly June Crop 2220190622  TBW Newsgroup
ON THE MOVE: Robe coach Jack Kelly is heading to a coaching role in the SANFL. Picture: J.L. "FRED" SMITH

Jack Kelly June 22 TBW Newsgroup
ON THE MOVE: Robe coach Jack Kelly is heading to a coaching role in the SANFL. Picture: J.L. “FRED” SMITH

THE Robe Football Club is on the hunt for a new coach as Jack Kelly heads to Adelaide to coach in the SANFL.

Kelly was set to mentor the Roosters for a fourth consecutive season in 2020.

However, he has accepted the invitation to be the Woodville West Torrens B Grade coach and the assistant to the new senior coach Jade Sheedy.

The pair had been team mates several seasons ago with SANFL club Sturt.

Robe president John Fenton said Kelly went to the capital city with the blessing of the seaside club.

“He has been with us for the past four seasons, one as a player and three as coach,” Fenton said.

“He has brought a positive culture to Robe.

“We have advertised for a replacement and we will have to re-advertise.”

After claiming the flag in 2018, the Roosters lost the first semi final in August to eventual premiers Kalangadoo.

There are rumours about other departures and retirements at Robe, but Fenton would only confirm one.

He said family commitments had prompted joint assistant coach Kane Cuthbertson to return to his home club of Bordertown.

Cuthbertson will coach the Roosters in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League

The loss of senior players such as Cuthbertson and Kelly will be keenly felt by Robe.

During his time at Robe, Kelly has also featured in the MSEFL, Murray South East and SA Country sides and was SE senior coach of the year in 2018.

Originally from Kybybolite, Kelly spent three years in underage ranks with Glenelg in the SANFL.

Playing as a rover, he then spent a season with Prince Alfred Old Collegians in Division 3 of the South Australian Amateur Football League where he won the league best and fairest medal.

Kelly then played 12 league games with Sheedy for the Sturt Double Blues between 2012 and 2014.

Kelly’s father Jamie has supported his endeavours and joined the committee of the Robe Football Club in 2018.