Ocean Grove co-coach Dave Farrell expects a deal to be finalised soon, which will see him lead the Bellarine club again in 2026.
The Grubbers have struggled this campaign due to a combination of injury to, and unavailability of, key players throughout the season.
However, Farrell, who shared the role with Nick Bourke, is confident, despite the 3-12 record, that Ocean Grove has the talent to challenge from next year onwards.
“(I’m) pretty confident that that’ll be sorted out soon,” he said.
“We’re really excited about the future, and everyone’s pulling in the same direction.
“We’re certainly well into planning mode and have been for a few weeks.”
Ocean Grove has given itself an opportunity to avoid a first wooden spoon in 54 years since ‘winning’ the Bellarine’s first unwanted kitchen utensil after beating Newcomb on the weekend.
However, Farrell concedes that even if the Grubbers climb above the Power into ninth spot, it has been a disappointing return after entering the season with high expectations.
“It’s externally probably a bigger emphasis on that ladder position,” he said.
“But we were not planning to finish north, so either way, on review, it’ll be disappointing considering the pre-season we had and the planning that’s gone into it – a lot of hard work from a lot of people.
“Whether it’s 9th or 10th isn’t going to be satisfying.”
Ocean Grove travels to Drysdale this weekend before rounding out its season at home against Geelong Amateur and away to Torquay.
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