Both leagues are sounding out potential replacements after Jason McPherson stepped down following two years as Farrer League coach, while Matt Hard decided it was time for a Riverina League change.

“I’ve always enjoyed it, it’s great working with the best players in the league but I’ve done three years so they probably need a new voice and a new direction,” Hard said.

After big wins against Picola and District south-east in 2014 and Tallangatta in 2015, Hard’s outfit was upset by the Hume League in May this year. 

“(That) was a bit of a kick in the guts for all of us,” Hard said.

“Player availability probably hurt us a little bit. Rep footy is a commitment from everyone and everyone’s got to get in and support it. 

“Last year we probably got our just desserts because we just didn’t approach it the way we should have, and that’s everyone, from me down.”

Riverina League president Rob Ash said he’d been unable to talk Hard around and thanked the Coolamon coach for his commitment.

“He was a bit shattered with last year but he’s been fantastic, a true Riverina coach with his heart in the league and the whole football and netball community,” Ash said.

The Farrer League is also coming off a loss, to Newcastle’s Black Diamond League, but McPherson’s decision was dictated by work commitments.

“I’ve got a bit of travel to do next year and I’m just too busy with work,” McPherson said.

“I really enjoyed it – you get to know the players and persist with some of the young guys across the league.”

He said the Farrer League’s drought-breaking victory over Picola League in 2015 was undoubtedly the highlight. 

“Absolutely, and I think the attitude towards rep footy has changed across the board since then,” McPherson said. 

Farrer League president David Oehm said McPherson brought plenty of football knowledge and experience to the job and will be missed.

Details of next year’s representative fixtures – set down for the weekend of May 20 – haven’t been finalised but Oehm said the Farrer League is hoping to get another shot at Victorian opposition.

“At this stage, we’re probably playing Ovens and King League, down Albury way,” Oehm said.

The Farrer League lost by five goals to Ovens and King in 2014 after making a flying start.

“There was only one quarter they got away on us,” Oehm said.

“I’ll be very happy to go back and play O and K again, they’re a very professional league and it’s always very well contested.”

Negotiations are continuing before the representative fixtures can be announced.