By Tara Murray
It was a tough start as interim coach for Brent Marshall as Mernda was blown away in the final quarter against the Fitzroy Stars in the Northern Football League division 3 competition.
Marshall took on the playing coaching role during the week after the club parted ways with Robert Fletcher effective immediately.
The club had previously announced that it and Fletcher had made the decision to part ways at the end of the season.
Club president Tom Felle said in a statement on the club’s social media that it was in the best interest for the club that a change was made.
“We would like to thank Fletch for his leadership, professionalism and commitment during his time at Mernda Football Club,” Felle said.
“He had made a meaningful contribution to our playing group and broader club community and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
“Moving forward Brent ‘Nipper’ Marshall has agreed to be our interim coach, we thank him for taking on this role.
“We look forward to him taking on this challenge.”
Marshall was one of the Demons best in their loss to the Stars.
After leading at quarter time, the Demons were able to hang around with the Stars, trailing by 19 points at three quarter time.
The Stars kicked 10 goals to two in the final quarter to run away with an 18.12 (120)-8.5 (53) win.
Harrison Bugden kicked three goals for the Demons, while Billy Morrison kicked two.
Morrison continued his good season and was named the Demons best.
The loss sees the Demons slip to sixth spot, equal on points with fourth placed Ivanhoe and fifth placed Kinglake, with the Demons having played on more game.
In other matches, Laurimar beat Kinglake and Epping had a big win against Lalor.
