UPDATE: Brayden O’Hara, the prized recruit of Chiltern, has officially ruled himself out of coaching the Swans for next season. This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions with Swans officials regarding the vacant position left by Brad Hibberson, who confirmed he will step down at the end of the current season.
O’Hara stated that due to work and family commitments, he cannot dedicate the necessary time to coaching at this moment. “I would have loved to throw my hat in the ring but I can’t, simply because I haven’t got the time to commit to the job fully,” he expressed. O’Hara had initially retired at the end of last season to spend more time with his children, emphasizing the importance of family in his decision.
The news is significant as Swans officials now face the pressing task of finding a new head coach just weeks before the end of the season. O’Hara praised the team, noting, “Whoever takes the job on will have a great group to work with and a great club backing them.”
On the field, O’Hara missed last weekend’s victory against Thurgoona due to a corked calf sustained the previous week during a match against Barnawartha. The Swans are gearing up for a crucial showdown against Kiewa-Sandy Creek this Saturday, a match deemed the most anticipated of the season. O’Hara’s participation remains uncertain as he recovers, stating, “I won’t train on Tuesday night but will train on Thursday. If I don’t have any niggles, I will play, but I won’t be risking it if I’m not right.”
Currently, the Swans have achieved an impressive eight-game winning streak, placing them second on the ladder. Kiewa-Sandy Creek, having only lost once this season, are viewed as the favorites. O’Hara acknowledged their strength, saying, “You don’t fluke sitting on top of the ladder, and they have got that spot for a reason.” He also highlighted that while the Swans are building momentum, other teams like Yack, Thurgoona, and Beechworth pose significant threats in the quest for the championship.
As the league heads into the final stretch, the implications of O’Hara’s decision and the upcoming clash are immense for both the Swans and Kiewa-Sandy Creek. Fans are eager to see how these developments unfold, particularly with the potential for a grand final rematch looming in the air.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation progresses, and watch for O’Hara’s recovery status ahead of this critical matchup.
