Scoble will officially announce his decision to club members tonight at an extraordinary general meeting to determine whether the Panthers will stay in the MECU Ballarat Football League.

He told the senior playing group in an informal gathering at his house on Monday night.

The club and Scoble said the decision was amicable.

Melton South confirmed it had offered Scoble another year on his coaching contract.

Scoble said that after four years as coach it was someone else's time to build the list.

''I am humbled the club wanted me to coach another season, but I still think there's a fair bit of development to go _ it's time for me to step away now and let someone else take over,'' Scoble said.

''Not many coaches get to choose when they walk away.

''I am leaving when the players are still wanting me to coach and the club is still wanting me to coach.''

Scoble said he still harboured ambitions to coach the Panthers again in the future _ that was the ''big burner'' he said in deciding now was a good time to step back.

He found the toughest part was explaining his decision to players.

''It was fair to say it was a bit of a shock to them,'' Scoble said.

''They were upset and disappointed, but totally understood this was a decision for the best for the club and a personal decision.''

Scoble took on the Panthers' top coaching job in a joint role with Travis Chapman in 2007.

The pair had previously teamed-up as BFL under-18 interleague coaches.

Scoble said their focus was to rebuild the list during a dark time for the Panthers.

He continued as sole coach from 2009.

Scoble was proud of his work to blood young Panthers, topped up with recruiting, the past four seasons.

But the homegrown Panther has not had a break from football for almost 30 years.

Melton South president Tyrone Charge said Scoble's decision surprised the club.

''As a committee, we do thank Troy for his services,'' Charge said.

''We hope he continues to be around the club.''

Scoble said he wanted time to consider his next move, but made clear he would help the club in any capacity needed.

The club will soon advertise the senior coaching position.