Meet the Coaches

 
Introducing the Oakleigh District Raiders junior football coaching team for the 2025 season. With decades of football experience between them, they are excited to help shape the next generation of football superstars!

BRAD NICHOLSON - UNDER 10s HEAD COACH

Playing Experience:
• Over 15 years of junior and senior football experience with Hampton, Black Rock, and Scoresby Football Clubs.
• A respected member of the VAFA league, where he umpired A-grade games, including finals.
Coaching Experience:
• Head Coach for the Oakleigh District Raiders Under 9s Season 2024
• Coached junior cricket at Oakleigh Cricket Club, also leading his team as captain to two consecutive grand finals.
• Served as an assistant coach with the Glen Waverley Rovers.
• 2023 Auskick coach, helping develop young players at the grassroots level.

MATTHEW HARRISON - UNDER 10s ASSISTANT COACH

Playing Experience:
• Over 30 years of junior and senior football with the Waverley Blues Football Club.
• Life member of the Waverley Blues, where he continues to play in the Vets team.
Coaching Experience:
• Assistant Coach for the Oakleigh District Raiders Under 9s Season 2024
• Assistant coach for the Waverley Blues’ Under 15s and Under 19s teams.
• Passionate about junior development, having enjoyed coaching while his son participated in Auskick.

CLINT HUGHES - UNDER 9s HEAD COACH

Playing Experience:
• Started footy in Castlemaine (played in the same junior program as Dustin Martin)
• Represented multiple clubs: Campbells Creek, Castlemaine, Clayton, and Newstead including 2 premierships
• Accumulated over 25 years of playing experience.
• Retired from playing in 2014
Coaching Experience:
• Assistant coach for an Under 15s team at East Malvern
• Coached Auskick in 2024
• Passionate about grassroots footy and junior development

ANDREW DEAKIN - UNDER 9s ASSISTANT COACH

Playing Experience:
• Five years of football experience, including four years playing in South Australia.
• Joined Oakleigh District Football Netball Club’s senior team in 2023.
Coaching Experience:
• Assistant Coach at the Oakleigh District Raiders U9s Season 2024
• One year coaching junior football
• Two years coaching junior volleyball in South Australia.
• Part of the 2023 Auskick coaching team, fostering young talent.

BRAD NICHOLSON UNDER 10s HEAD COACH

 

Brad began his junior football journey in Hobart before moving to Melbourne at 14, where he swiftly made an impact on the mainland. He earned recognition early on, representing the Oakleigh Chargers, before going on to play for clubs like Hampton, Black Rock and Scoresby.

Over the course of his career, Brad became known as a skilled and committed player. His football path also led him to umpiring in the VAFA league, where he officiated A-grade matches and high-stakes finals, earning respect as a top-tier umpire.

Brad’s passion for the game naturally transitioned into coaching. In 2024, he became the Head Coach for the Oakleigh District Raiders Under 9s, where he shares his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to guide the next generation. His coaching background extends beyond footy; he also coached junior cricket at Oakleigh Cricket Club, where he captained his team to two consecutive grand finals, demonstrating his leadership both on and off the field.

Previously, Brad served as an assistant coach with the Glen Waverley Rovers, gaining valuable experience in player development. In 2023, he took on the role of Auskick coach, inspiring young players and sparking their passion for the game from the very start. Brad’s extensive background in both playing and coaching reflects his unwavering dedication to nurturing sporting talent and building strong community ties through sport.

MATTHEW HARRISON UNDER 10s ASSISTANT COACH

 
Matt brings with him over 30 years of rich playing experience, having spent his entire football journey with the Waverley Blues Football Club. His deep loyalty and dedication to the club earned him life membership—an honour that reflects not only his longevity but also his impact on the club community. These days, he continues to pull on the boots for the Vets team, showing that his passion for the game is as strong as ever.

Alongside his playing career, Matt has built a solid foundation in coaching. In 2024, he stepped into the role of Assistant Coach for the Oakleigh District Raiders Under 9s, where he brings a calm, supportive presence to the sidelines. He’s also contributed to the development of older age groups, serving as an assistant coach for the Waverley Blues’ Under 15s and Under 19s teams—roles that allowed him to pass on his knowledge and love for the game to emerging talent.

Matt’s passion for junior development was sparked when his son began Auskick, and he’s been actively involved ever since. What started as a way to support his own child quickly grew into a genuine love for coaching and mentoring young players. He takes pride in helping kids build their skills, grow in confidence and develop a strong foundation in the game.

CLINT HUGHES UNDER 9s HEAD COACH

 
Clint’s footy journey is a classic tale of grassroots dedication and love for the game. He kicked things off in Castlemaine, where he played in the same junior program as AFL superstar Dustin Martin—no big deal! Over the years, Clint laced up the boots for several clubs, including Campbells Creek, Castlemaine, Clayton and Newstead. His playing days spanned more than 25 years, filled with passion, hard work and plenty of memorable moments on the field. He officially hung up the boots in 2014, thinking that chapter of his life had closed.

But footy had other plans. Clint was soon drawn back into the game, first as an assistant coach with an Under 15s team, and then taking on Auskick coaching duties in 2024. Rediscovering the joy of mentoring young players, he embraced the opportunity to give back to the sport that had given him so much.

Now, in 2025, Clint steps into the role of Head Coach for the Oakleigh District Raiders Under 9s. With his years of experience, infectious energy and love for the game, he’s excited to share his skills and plenty of footy yarns with the next generation of Raiders stars.

Off the field, Clint enjoys staying active and spending time with his family. The club is thrilled to have him on board, and we can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have on our young players this season.

ANDREW DEAKIN UNDER 9s ASSISTANT COACH

 
With a solid foundation in both playing and coaching, Andrew brings a well-rounded perspective to the field. His football journey began in South Australia, where he spent four years developing his skills and competing at a junior level. After five years of playing experience in total, he made the move to Victoria and joined the senior team at the Oakleigh District Football Netball Club in 2023, eager to continue growing within a new football community.

Coaching quickly became a natural next step. In 2024, Andrew took on the role of Assistant Coach for the Oakleigh District Raiders Under 9s, bringing energy, patience, and a real passion for junior development. His coaching experience also includes a year working with junior footballers and two years coaching junior volleyball back in South Australia—experiences that helped shape his approach to mentoring young athletes across different sports.

In 2023, he was also part of the Auskick coaching team, helping to foster footy fundamentals and fun for the youngest players in the club. With a growing coaching resume and a genuine love for sport, Andrew is committed to helping young Raiders learn the game, build confidence, and most importantly, enjoy their time on the field.