Paynesville Football Netball Club is thrilled to announce Michael Boothey as their senior coach for 2026.
Boothey has played more than 400 senior games across clubs including Williamstown, Hoppers Crossing, Altona, Barwon Heads, Spotswood and Bruthen.
Along the way he collected multiple best and fairest awards, enjoyed senior premiership success, represented at league level, and was named full forward in Barwon Heads’ “team of the decade”.
In the coaching space, Boothey has already built an impressive résumé, which includes a premiership at Deer Park, and roles at
Wyndham, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing and North Geelong.
He has also worked as Next Gen Academy coach with the Western Bulldogs and most recently was senior coach of Bruthen in the Omeo District Football Netball
League (ODFNL)
The Paynesville Football Netball Club are of the opinion that Boothey’s experience, leadership, and energy make him the perfect person to take the reins in 2026, as they set their sights firmly on the future.
The Club sees the appointment, as more than just about one coach, it’s about the club’s commitment to becoming a genuine contender.
They are driving an aggressive list build, investing heavily in the development of current players, and creating an environment that demands improvement, rewards effort, and attracts the best talent.
The message coming out of the Paynesville Football Netball club is that they are building for success and are just getting started.
The Gulls are trying to turn around a downward spiral, after winning six matches in 2022 under Ash Watt, they only won two games in 2023 under his tutelage.
Darren Vickery took over in 2024, the club victorious only twice, before a winless 2025, under dual ODFNL premiership coach,
David Westland.
The Gulls have also appointed reserves coaches for 2025, welcoming back Chris
Jehu after some time away at Lindenow,
stepping into a playing coach role alongside Bryce Riches.
Riches continues as the returning reserves coach; where he will again bring his strong leadership, energy, and passion for developing the playing group.
Supporting them will be Eion May, who takes on the important role of team manager, overseeing the board and bench.
May’s experience as a former club president and long-time contributor makes him a perfect fit to steady the ship and support both coaches and players.
Exciting times ahead at the Paynesville Football Netball Club.
