BOORT has sensationally staked an early claim to North Central flag favouritism with assistant coach Andrew Rutley at the helm.
The Pies on Saturday defeated reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly for a 4-0 opening to the season.
Rutley had the clipboard for a second week but the Boort club says coach Dale Cameron remains in the position.
Both said this week that illness had kept Cameron away from Saturday’s top-of-the-ladder clash with Sea Lake.
Cameron later told the Loddon Herald he had not been at the previous week’s match against Donald. 
“I was crook as well. I’m still crook and I’ve been crook for the last couple of weeks. I’ve been working from home, but I’m hoping to be able to coach this week,” Cameron said when asked about his extended absence from the club.
Pies’ president Craig Scott told the Loddon Herald: “There has been no change to the coaching arrangements. Dale Cameron is our senior coach.
“You wouldn’t have seen him on Saturday as he was unfortunately sick and couldn’t be there for our exciting win against Sea Lake Nandaly. 
“He’s looking forward to getting back in the drivers seat for another big challenge against the Calder Lions on Saturday. “
Cameron also said he hoped to be back in the coach’s box when Boort travels to Wycheproof for the second of four crucial matches after opening the season with huge wins over lowly Charlton, St Arnaud and Donald.
The club has had assistant coach Andrew Rutley with the reigns for the last fortnight. Rutley, another ex-Magpie player, is back with Boort this season as assistant coach after sons Kane and Tyson were among key recruits in a push to have the Magpies reach the  finals.
Cameron started his football career as a junior with Boort before heading to Strathfieldsaye in the Bendigo league for four seasons, playing a handful of senior games.
He returned to Boort to play two seasons, only to head back to Strathfieldsaye. Three seasons were spent coaching Bridgewater in the Loddon Valley league until 2021.
Cameron is in his third year at the helm of Boort and has said 2025 was the season for the Magpies to step up and play finals.