Brisbane Roar raid NPL VIC again for another highly-rated coach

Another NPL Victoria coach is making the jump to the A-League, with Hume City boss Nick Hegarty joining Brisbane Roar.

Hegarty has been appointed head coach of the Roar’s B-Team and will also work across the A-League Men environment, with a focus on individual development and helping players transition into the first team.

The move follows a standout 2026 at Hume, where Hegarty guided the club to second in NPL Victoria - their highest-ever regular-season finish and a first home semi-final.

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“Joining Brisbane Roar is a privilege, and my role connects with an area of football I’m incredibly passionate about,” said the Englishman. “I’m excited to work with our talented players and help them maximise their potential, both as people and as footballers.

“I’m a firm believer that developing the individual ultimately strengthens the team. With that at the heart of my approach, I’m excited to contribute to the growth and success of the entire men’s football department.”

It brings an end to a long association with the Broadmeadows club stretching back to 2012.

Hegarty spent six seasons at Hume as a player, becoming captain, a two-time Football Victoria Gold Medal winner and one of the club’s leading goalscorers before moving into coaching.

His first stint in charge delivered Hume’s maiden major trophy with the 2019 Dockerty Cup, while he was also named Coach of the Year that season. After returning to the United Kingdom in 2022, Hegarty came back to Hume midway through 2025 and has remained at the helm since.

Now the professional game beckons.

His appointment also continues Brisbane’s recent move towards coaches developed in Victorian football.

On the women’s side, former Hume City and Green Gully coach Johnathan Clemente was appointed Brisbane Roar’s A-League Women head coach following his arrival from Melbourne Victory.

Hegarty is now the latest to make the step.

It comes as Victorian state-league coaches continue to earn opportunities at the professional level, with former Preston Lions Football Director Sasa Ognenovski recently appointed Macarthur FC’s A-League Men head coach.