Flag winning coach James Hazelman has made the shock call to step down from his role as senior coach at the Tigers after Katamatite pulled off one of the great grand final upsets in PDL history, defeating previously undefeated side Waaia in September’s decider, denying the Bombers of a history-making four-peat.
Hazelman had led the club for the past three seasons, which resulted in three consecutive finals campaigns, including a 36-11 win-loss record since 2023.
The Tigers finished sixth in Hazelman’s first year, overcoming a near-triple-figures loss early in the season to rebound to a finals spot, before a preliminary finals exit in 2024 after winning the minor premiership.
A final round win over Katandra placed the yellow and black second this year, but were left until the final game of the season to spell an end to Waaia’s flawless run.
Hazelman’s decision was announced during the club’s best and fairest night on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, all good things must come to and end, and James' tenure at the Tigers has most certainly been a good thing,” a club statement said on Katamatite’s Facebook page.
“The Katamatite Football Club would like to extend our thanks to James Hazelman who has made the call to step down as senior coach following our 2025 premiership season.
“Since joining Katamatite in 2023, on the back of a huge list turnover, James has done everything possible to achieve ultimate success.
“His professionalism that he instilled in the group and experienced tactical mind led to Katamatite achieving a 36-11 record over his 3 years and winning our first senior flag in 24 years.
“It's safe to say that James has left the club in a great place.”
On Wednesday, the club announced its rejig of the coaching structure, with a playing co-coaching pairing to take to the helm in 2026.
The duo of new senior coaches are Tom Clurey and Patrick Riordan, both of which featured as players in the premiership win this year.
Clurey, a former 124-game key defender at AFL club Port Adelaide, played juniors at Katamatite and made his return into the yellow sash this season.
Riordan, a hard-nosed midfielder and half back flanker, is a three-time club senior best and fairest winner, and other than a short stint in the Murray Football League, has remained loyal to the Tigers since his junior days.
“Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in high level football environments with him and has close ties to the playing group already,” Katamatite stated in a club message on its Facebook page.
“A hard player and even harder trainer, ‘Patches’ has won three senior B&Fs and numerous other accolades at Katamatite and brings an ability to motivate and inspire his teammates whilst showing tactical nous on field.
“We look forward to seeing what Tom and Patrick bring for 2026.”
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