Newport will have a new coach for next year’s Western Football League division 1 season.
The club announced that Rodney Van Riet was departing the club after just one year at the club.
“The Newport Football Club would like to advise that senior coach Rodney Van Riet will not be returning in 2025,” the club said on social media.
“Although only with us for a short time, Rocket has had a profound impact at our club. His commitment, loyalty to his players & passion was there for all to see.
“As a club, we sincerely thank Rocket for everything he has done in season 2024 & wish him the best in future endeavours.”
The Panthers made a preliminary final under Van Reit before being knocked out by eventual premiers Sunshine.
Speaking after the preliminary final loss, Van Riet said it was still a successful first year in charge.
“The club is in really good shape moving forward,” he said. “Lots of things are going right and there’s been a lot of growth and improvement.
“Our 18s in their first season in division 1 made finals. We had 12 play their first senior game of football for the club.”
The club will play in division 1 next season after three sides were promoted to make division 1 a 12 team competition.
Meanwhile, the Panthers named their best and fairest winners with Zach Del Grosso winning the senior award from Belal Abou Eid.
