WANGARATTA have locked in Jason Heatley as their coach for the next two seasons.

Heatley arrives with a wealth of experience having played 63 games at the highest level for West Coast and St Kilda, including 73 goals in the 1997 season.

At community level Jason is a three-time senior premiership coach with North Heidelberg and has a fantastic track record in the Northern Football League.

Heatley said he feel's it's the right time to move on to another challenge.

“We worked on a succession plan at North Heidelberg and I handed over to the now senior coach Kasey Duncan,” Heatley said.

“At the mid-year stage I was thinking about what the next 12 months, two or three years look like.

“At some stages throughout this season I felt it was time to hand over the reigns at North Heidelberg and maybe have a rest from coaching but I quickly got the bug back.

“Jon Henry reached out and we caught up and I loved his passion and the vision of the Wangaratta Football Netball Club.”

With the confirmed departures of Callum Moore, Michael Newton and Daine Porter, the Magpies will be looking for a new set of players to step up.

“It’s no secret that a few senior players are departing but that will only open up opportunities,” Heatley said.

“I think it’s exciting that the list profile is changing, I watched the under 18s and reserves grand finals and there were some quality players running around.

“There’s going to be opportunities for those players to step up.”

Heatley’s looking forward to the rivalry between cross-road rivals and 2024 premiers Wangaratta Rovers.

“With Rovers winning on the weekend it’s going to give us something to chase because they’re the one’s at the top now,” he said.

“No doubt everyone’s focus will be on them but it’ll only add another level to the rivalry.

“Having two clubs so close together is pretty cool.”

Heatley will follow a similar path to Rovers coach Sam Murray who lives in Melbourne but coaches the Hawks.

“I’ll be down in Melbourne and work a routine out,” he said.

“The number one thing for me is the players in Wangaratta but there’s a number of guys we have based in Melbourne and even Geelong so I’ll have to connect the dots there.

“Rovers coach managed it well this year so it’s a model that can be done.”

Wangaratta said via a club statement that they’re stoked to get their man.

“The board of the Wangaratta Football Netball Club take great pleasure in announcing Jason Heatley as the senior football coach for season 2025 and 2026,” the club said.

“We are thrilled that Jason will be joining our club, his experience, drive and professionalism will be a huge asset as we look to the future.

“Jason’s appointment is exciting for our players and is also equally exciting for our sponsors, members and supporters.

“We welcome Jason and his partner Lisa to the WFNC family.”