Riddell has wasted no time in appointing a senior football coach for the 2026 season.
Last week the club appointed ‘home grown’ Matthew Darby to fill the post previously held by two-time premiership coach Aaron ‘Skip’ Bray, who advised he would not be seeking a third season in charge at Bomberland.
Darby grew up locally and has played plenty of football and cricket in his home town.
He was a member of Riddell’s football premiership sides in 2013 and 2024 and missed on playing in this year’s grand final through injury.
Darby played in the VFL with Essendon, and captained Avondale Heights in the EDFL for several seasons.
He was assistant coach for Riddell U19.5s in 2025.
