The Banyule Football Club has announced that senior men’s co-coaches Ricky Dyson and Paul Harris have stepped down and will not continue in the role in 2025.
Harris joined the club as coach in 2019, having spent the previous two seasons at Bundoora as an assistant coach and before that, a head coach at current NFNL club Ivanhoe.
Dyson joined Harris as a player in 2019 following a storied playing career at Bundoora, before stepping up as co-coach with Harris in 2021.
The pair led the club to the 2022 MC Labour Division 2 premiership and have since taken the Bears to two promising Division 1 campaigns including this season, where they missed out on a maiden finals berth on percentage.
A club statement said:
Ricky Dyson and Paul Harris have announced to the Club and playing group that they will be stepping down as our Co-Senior Coaches.
On behalf of everyone at the Banyule Football Club we express our deepest gratitude to Ricky and Paul for your incredible service and commitment over the past six years as our senior coaches.
Your leadership, passion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the club, both on and off the field. You’ve guided the team through challenges, victories, and countless memorable moments topped by our Division 2 Premiership in 2022 and taking the team to 10 wins this season in only our second year in Division 1.
You have instilled not only a winning mentality but a sense of unity and respect within the entire Banyule Football Club. The positive culture you’ve nurtured is evident in the growth of each player who has been fortunate enough to learn from your experience and guidance. From pushing the team to perform at their best to supporting the development of young talent, your contributions have helped shape the future of the club.
We would also like to additionally thank Assistant Coach Ryan Fort for his contribution and commitment to the Club also over the last 6 years. Ryan has held numerous roles with the football program including being our runner, overseeing our rotations and recently an assistant coach.
As you all step back from your roles, we want you to know that you and your families will always be a valued part of the Banyule Football Club. Your efforts have built a strong foundation that we will carry us forward.
Thank you again for your unwavering dedication and everything you’ve done for the Banyule Football Club.
We wish you all the best in your future endeavours, knowing that whatever you choose to do next, success will surely follow.
