DOUG Hawkins has quit his coaching post at Bacchus Marsh.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The colourful AFL personality, who ran for Clive Palmer’s United Party in the Senate this year, says he has been wearing too many “hats”, personally and professionally, and the club deserved a coach that could devote “150 per cent” each week.
Hawkins said that watching the Ballarat Football League grand final on Saturday reinforced his decision.
“They took the game to a whole new level ... especially with rotations off the bench,” Hawkins said.
“(North Ballarat City coach) Robbie Waters was just so professional and so was Rick (Horwood) with the Sunbury boys – they just really went to another level.”
Hawkins announced his resignation at the Cobras’ player presentation dinner on Friday night and confirmed it publicly yesterday.
He is unsure what his next football move might be, but was keen to remain involved with the club in a player mentoring role, depending on his successor’s plans.
Bacchus Marsh president Pat Mullen said he was yet to talk with Hawkins about the decision, which came as a surprise Friday night.
The Cobras were tied up with the C-grade netball premiership on Saturday and Mullen has been working to catch Hawkins between the former coach’s work commitments.
After that, Mullen said, he would have a better idea of what next step to take for the club.
Hawkins stepped up from coaching the club’s junior ranks to the senior position this season, replacing Dave Callendar, and took the Cobras to seventh with six wins and 10 losses.
“We’ve improved. We’re well-placed on the ground individually and as a side,” Hawkins said. “I leave the club in a very, very good place and hope they find someone with the extra time to put in.”