BREAKING: Chiltern Swans star Brayden O’Hara has officially ruled himself out of the coaching position for the upcoming season, just days after discussions with officials about replacing departing coach Brad Hibberson. Citing work and family commitments, O’Hara confirmed he cannot dedicate the necessary time to the role, making his decision clear to fans and the club.
“I would have loved to throw my hat in the ring but I can’t,” O’Hara stated. “I haven’t got the time to commit to the job fully.” The former player, who retired last season to spend more time with his kids, emphasized that coaching would take him away from family, saying, “If I take on a role, I will give it 100 percent effort.”
O’Hara’s absence has been felt on the field. He missed last weekend’s victory against Thurgoona due to a corked calf sustained during a previous match against Barnawartha. He is uncertain about his return for the highly anticipated clash against Kiewa-Sandy Creek on Saturday, July 15, 2023, a matchup that is drawing significant attention as both teams vie for the top spot.
“I won’t train on Tuesday night but will train on Thursday,” O’Hara explained. “If I don’t have any niggles, I will play, but I won’t risk it if I’m not right.” The Swans have surged to second on the ladder following an impressive eight-match winning streak. In contrast, the Hawks have only dropped one game this season, intensifying the rivalry.
While some fans speculate about the potential for Saturday’s game to serve as a grand final preview, O’Hara dismissed this notion, labeling the Hawks as the current flag favorites. “Kiewa starts favorites on the weekend… they are the flag favorites right at this minute and have been all year,” he said. “You don’t fluke sitting on top of the ladder.”
O’Hara acknowledged the competitive landscape, noting that other teams like Yack, Beechworth, and Rutherglen also pose significant threats. “Yes, we are starting to build, but there are a lot of teams that can reach the grand final,” he added, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the league.
As the match against Kiewa approaches, fans and players alike are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying encounter. With O’Hara out of the coaching picture, all eyes will be on the field as the Swans attempt to maintain their momentum and solidify their playoff positioning.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops, and watch for O’Hara’s potential return to the lineup in what could be a pivotal match for the Swans and their quest for championship glory.
