In the twilight of his career, Jason McNamara has decided to return to the home of his greatest triumphs.
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McNamara has committed to North Ballarat City for the 2019 season and plans to play under the leadership of senior coach Shane Skontra.
The veteran onballer enjoyed a stunning period at City, which included Henderson Medal victories in 2011 and 2012 and Ballarat Football League premierships in 2013 and 2014.
In 2016 he joined Ballan as a player before taking over the coaching position for the 2017 and 2018 campaigns.
McNamara said playing back at North Ballarat City suited his lifestyle because it was so close to home.
The 35-year-old said he enjoyed his time at Ballan and looked back fondly at the relationships he was able to build during those three seasons at the Central Highlands club.
McNamara said he had attended a handful of pre-season training sessions with City and hoped to be able to play an on-field role in 2019.
“I’ll see how I go after the practice matches, I guess,” he said.
“I’m hoping to get myself into a position where I can play.”
Skontra told The Courier that McNamara would be a great asset for the club.
“For me his value runs a lot deeper than just his playing ability,” Skontra said.
“It’s leadership and training standards and experience.”
For me his value runs a lot deeper than just his playing ability"
- North City coach Shane Skontra
During his time as coach of Ballan, the senior side didn’t achieve a great deal of success. In 2017 and 2018, the Blues finished 11th on the ladder with five and six wins respectively.
McNamara handed the Ballan coaching job over to Tristan Batten at the end of last season.
Blues vice-president David O’Hanlon wished McNamara well for the future.
“The Ballan Football Netball Club is sad to see him go after the great work he put in the last three years on and off the field, but after a great football career and with a young family, we can fully understand his decision,” O’Hanlon said.
“He will always be welcome back as he has made many lifelong friends at the club and we wish him all the very best of luck for the next chapter of his life.”
North Ballarat City finished second on the ladder last season before being bundled out of the premiership race in the semi-finals.
