The itch to return to coaching was too much for new Point Cook Centrals coach Justin Abrams.
Having coached for more than 20 years, Abrams had a break in 2025 and decided to be a fan for the season.
While he enjoyed that, he missed coaching football and was keen to get back into a role he could sink his teeth into.
When the Point Cook Centrals’ role came up, it was too good to refuse.
“I’ve been coaching for 23 ýears,” he said. “Only had this year off and I’m now refreshed and wanted to get back into it.
“I’m looking forward to it “
Much of Abrams’ coaching background has come in the Ballarat region.
He was an assistant coach to Brendan McCartney at North Ballarat in the Ballarat Football League
He’s been involved in Coates Talent League and Victorian Football League. He was also senior coach of Dunnstown in the Central Highlands Football League.
Abrams said once you’re a coach it’s always in your blood.
He said the role at the Sharks really stood out to him. He said the club had established a really good culture and wanted to continue to grow and develop.
“I have the passion to help Centrals climb the ladder,” he said. “The youth at the club is the exciting part.
“I had some other options and I knocked back some other clubs. This is a bit of a blank canvas.
“I met with 14 of them recently, most are still kids.
“Centrals is an established club that has won premierships in division 3 and division 2. We’ve got the challenge in division 1, the opportunity to educate young guys and fast track their football.
“It’s exciting for them.”
The Sharks finished bottom this year but due to a restructure ahead of the season so they will avoid relegation.
Abrams said there was massive potential within the playing group. Dean Chambers, who coached the side this year, made the call early in 2024 he was going to step down and had a real focus on youth durin the season.
“They are very inexperienced and kids,” Abrams said. “Six made their debuts this year and there’s a lot of work to do.
“I want to educate them and teach them how to play senior football.”
Abrams said he would look to bring in some experienced players into the group to compliment the existing playing group.
He said he’s already locked in a playing assistant coach and they will hope to make some announcements soon.
