Tom makes a call on his future at the Bushrangers after finals defeat
BEECHWORTH is on the hunt for a new coach to replace Tom Cartledge.
Cartledge recently informed the Bushrangers that he felt the time was right for a fresh voice at Baarmutha Park.
The popular mentor will remain as a player.
Cartledge has spent three years in charge of the Bushrangers, the first two as co-coach alongside Brayden Carey before coaching outright this season.
After more than a decade in the finals wilderness since their most recent flag in 2010, Cartledge has been instrumental in transforming the Bushrangers back to being a finals force.
They have made finals for the past three years including the preliminary final two years ago which they lost to Kiewa-Sandy Creek.
The Bushrangers lost the first semi-final last Sunday to Chiltern which signalled the end of their season.
Cartledge felt grateful for the opportunity to lead his junior club.
“I’ve been coach now for three years and I feel for the group to progress, it’s a great opportunity for a new voice to come in with some fresh ideas,” Cartledge said.
“It’s a great group and a new coach provides extra motivation because after three years in the job, you can get a bit stale sometimes.
“I’m certainly keen to remain as a player and I love Beechy and the playing group, the community and it’s a great club to be a part of.
“I’ve loved the challenge of coaching and I’ve found it to be very rewarding.
“Obviously it is hard work and there are constant challenges that you have to overcome.
But working with the group and trying to get the best out of them alongside myself, it’s a rewarding experience when it goes to plan.”
Cartledge was proud of the fact that he was stepping down with the club in the strongest position it has been in more than a decade.
“Three years ago, the main goal I wanted to achieve was to make sure when I left as a coach, the club was in a better position,” he said.
“I certainly would like to think that I have achieved that.
“Finals is one thing and to be able to contest three straight finals series was great after missing finals for such a long period of time.
“I think the playing group is a really strong group and cohesive.
“So I feel the club is in a better place than three years ago.”
Whoever replaces Cartledge will be taking over a strong list with plenty of star power.
Dual Barton medallist Cam Fendyk alongside Kayde Surrey, Connor Stone, Deegan Donly, Lachie Armstrong, Tristan Lenaz and Cartledge provide the Bushrangers with a strong senior core.
However the Bushrangers lack the depth of heavyweights Chiltern and Kiewa-Sandy Creek which has been exposed during finals.
They have a 2-5 record at Sandy Creek over the past three years.
“It’s been frustrating that we haven’t had our best team on the park consistently at Sandy Creek at the right time of the season.”
Reference: The Border Mail (September 06, 2024)