Tristan Francis steps up at Wonthaggi Power

WONTHAGGI Power assistant coach Tristan Francis has been appointed to take over the mantle of Jarryd Blair as senior coach in 2026.

The former Gippsland Power, Collingwood and Port Melbourne product not only comes with all the up-to-date training methods and playing strategy from the big league, but he is also uniquely familiar with the Wonthaggi playing list after a very hands-on role with Blair.

The club announced the appointment on social media recently.

“We are thrilled to announce Tristan Francis as the newly appointed Senior Coach of the Wonthaggi Power Football Netball Club.

“Tristan grew up in Gippsland and brings an outstanding football journey with him – from playing with Gippsland Power, to Collingwood Football Club, and becoming a premiership player at Port Melbourne VFL.

“Over the past five years as an assistant coach with us, Tristan’s competitive drive and empathetic nature have helped him build lifelong relationships with players, staff, and supporters. His ability to connect with people of all ages, coupled with his deep understanding of the game and what it takes to perform at the highest level, makes him the perfect fit to lead our club forward.

“He is hugely respected in the football world and throughout our community, and we’re excited for the journey ahead.

“Together with his wife Kels and their four boys – Jude, Billy, Freddy and Archer – we welcome the Francis family to the next chapter of the Wonthaggi Power Football Netball Club.”

Jarryd Blair had a challenging five years in charge of Wonthaggi Power with 2020 and 2021 abandoned due to COVID, finishing second in 2022 before bowing out in the prelim, and top in 2023, before losing to Leongatha in the grand final.

The seniors finished fourth in 2024 and only missed the finals once under Blair, in 2025, an injury-impacted year for Power.

The club already faces the significant challenge of replacing its best and fairest in 2025, and one of the Gippsland League’s best players, Ryan Sparkes, who is headed to Inverloch-Kongwak in 2026.