The coach behind a mid-season turnaround lands new job for 2027

Manningham United have handed Devon Bonne the reins for 2027 after the former Altona Magic interim coach helped turn around the NPL Victoria club’s season.

Bonne will take charge of Manningham after spending the past three years on Altona’s coaching staff, initially as an assistant before stepping into the top job during the 2026 campaign.

His opportunity came in difficult circumstances, but Bonne made an immediate impact.

Altona were sitting 12th in Victoria’s top flight when he stepped up from assistant coach in May as Goran Lozanovski was hit with a monster 17-game suspension, before a strong run of results helped drag the Magic clear of the relegation battle and secure their place in NPL VIC for 2027.

Bonne now gets the opportunity to shape a team of his own at Manningham, bringing considerable experience of Victorian football with him following the departure of Nick Marinos.

“Devon’s philosophy and vision align closely with the club’s ambitions. He brings valuable NPL experience and a strong understanding of what it takes to build a competitive senior team, while continuing to create opportunities for emerging players,” Manningham said in a statement.

Before joining Altona, he combined playing and coaching at Nunawading City, while his senior playing career also included spells with Hume City, Heidelberg United, Richmond and South Melbourne. His time as both a player and assistant at Nunawading is also reflected in historical records from the club’s NPL period.

Manningham finished eighth in VPL1 in 2026, with the Blues parting ways with Marinos after just one season.