In news that will come as no surprise to keen followers of the game and VFL football in particular, the VFL Coach of the Year - Werribee's Michael Barlow - is joining the North Melbourne Football Club as Development Manager. 

Just days after guiding Werribee into its first Grand Final in almost twenty years, Barlow accepted the offer to take the next step in his coaching career.

Werribee President Martin Carter naturally has mixed emotions: "The entire club is delighted for Mick but also disappointed to lose one of our favourite sons (again) to the AFL. Interestingly, our last two senior coaches have been headhunted by AFL clubs, which says a lot about the status of our club and our senior coaching position. We are proud to have played a part in Mick's football journey firstly as a player when he was drafted to Fremantle and now as his AFL coaching career begins." 

Barlow's three years as senior coach culminated with the Grand Final appearance after a club record-breaking 17 game winning streak, achievements he is very proud of: "The grand final loss still stings but this playing group gave everything they had and will be better for the experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed this stint at Avalon Airport Oval and thank the club for giving me the opportunity. It is a special club with an outstanding administration, great facilities and a culture committed to excellence on and off the field." 

The most sought after coaching job in Victorian football is now vacant and Werribee CEO Mark Penaluna expects a lot of interest: "Replacing someone of Mick's calibre is not an easy task but I am sure there are a lot of quality football people who will be keen to join us. It is a position full of possibilities and we are keen to build on what we achieved this year."