Devils unveil new leaders

Corio has turned to a fresh coaching combination in a bid to lift itself from the bottom of the GDFNL ladder, appointing former player Adam Bell and experienced local mentor Ross Gemmill as co-coaches for 2026.

The pair have signed a one-year deal just days after the Devils ‘ season ended on a high, beating Bell Post Hill for their third win of a tough campaign.

They replace outgoing coach Joel Bennett, who confirmed earlier this year he would not continue in the role.

“It’s been a bit of a long process, and not an easy one either, but to have it locked away now is a good thing for the club,” president Darren Bennett said.

Bell has been elevated from his position as senior assistant.

“Adam’s a Corio boy – a former player who’s been away and done a lot of learning,” Bennett said.

He spent some time at Newcomb, he’s done his Level 3 (coaching accreditation), and he ran our bench last year for Joel.

“He had a really good relationship with all the players.

“He’s done a lot of work in the coaching space and just needed an opportunity, really. We think he’ll do a really good job.”

Gemmill boasts a long résumé across the region and beyond.

He spent time with the former VFL club Northern Blues, guided Geelong West-St Peter’s to a GFNL reserves premiership in 2011, and has most recently been involved with Northern Football League club West Preston Lakeside.

“He’s been around a bit and been involved with a few clubs locally,” Bennett said.

“His résumé was actually quite impressive — he’s been involved in quite a few higher-level programs, and anyone with modern learnings is going to be handy.”

Bennett confirmed the pair is already down to business.

“We met last night, and they were pretty keen to get cracking, get some player meetings organised; I’d say they’ll be in full swing as of now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bennett confirmed that he’ll continue as president in 2026.

“I’m going on at this stage — bit of a sucker for punishment, but someone’s got to do it,” he laughed.