Troy Beamond will forever hold a special place in Wyndhamvale Football Club history as its first ever senior premiership coach.
The Falcons will equally hold a special place in the heart of Beamond as the link to his own first coaching glory.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
Beamond and the Falcons parted ways in an official capacity after Saturday’s 67-point loss to Sunshine Kangaroos on the final day of the WRFL division 1 season.
Beamond, the 2015 division 2 premiership coach, has a new battle on his hands – his own health.
The 39-year-old had to reluctantly step away from coaching after being diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.
“I’ve had a few health battles over the couple of years there,” Beamond told Star Weekly.
“My head right now says I’d love to be doing something [in coaching] … you know how it is, in another month or so, I could be feeling a million dollars and having itchy feet. My intentions are to not coach and just help out the club wherever they need.”
Beamond has taken Wyndhamvale on a hell of a ride in the past two seasons.
He took over a club that was knocking on the door of promotion from division 2, but had often had that door slammed in its face.
In Beamond’s first season in charge, the Falcons finally broke through, beating West Footscray in the grand final to earn a dream promotion to division 1.
“The flag last year was a big highlight for us,” he said.
“It was really pleasing for the club … I got the most pride out of watching those guys get the rewards after so long.”
Beamond’s proudest moment came in the top flight this season.
Some were tipping Wyndhamvale to go through the year without a win, but the Falcons got to sing the song twice.
The breakthrough win over Spotswood was particularly satisfying. The Woodsmen have long been a powerhouse of the competition, but the Falcons took it up to them and beat them on their home turf.
“For as long as I live, I’ll never forget the Spotswood win,” Beamond said.
“That’s the best win I’ve had in my two years at the club.
“It was at Spotty, no one gave us a chance and probably we didn’t give ourselves much of a chance.
“We just rolled the dice and took the game on and the guys stepped up.
“The celebrations after the game and the pure enjoyment was probably more than the grand final.”
Wyndhamvale players and supporters gave Beamond an emotional farewell after Saturday’s game.
The Falcons have begun the process of interviewing for his replacement, but applications are ongoing.
“There are opportunities there to coach a good club and a club on the rise,” Beamond said.
“A fresh voice would be great for the club – with a few good recruits, anything can happen.”
