Horwood took the club to four grand finals and played off in the finals in each of his six seasons.

However, in what was a tough decision, he felt it was time to move on from the Lions in what was a dramatic backflip to his comments following the grand final loss to Bacchus Marsh.

Horwood told The Courier on September 18 that he was “Keen to go again. I’d like to do it” when asked about the 2017 Sunbury coaching job.

In a statement released by Horwood on Wednesday, he stressed it was with mixed emotions he called an end to his time at Sunbury but felt the club would benefit from a new voice at the helm.

“I have not come to this decision easily, but I feel after six years of coaching Sunbury that both the players and the club would benefit from a new voice as head coach,” Horwood said.

“I am extremely proud, that after three successive grand final appearances that I was part of a rebuild of the football club in 2014 and 2015, when we gave significant opportunities to the younger home-grown Sunbury players.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the committees for my appointment and support throughout my time … most of all I would also like to thank the players, particularly the dozen or so that have endured my entire six years as senior coach.”

Sunbury president John Sanderson said while the club had not assured any of its coaches a position in 2017 ahead of this week’s post-season review. He was surprised to hear of Horwood’s exit and when asked about his post-grand final comments Sanderson said.

“I think he’s had a bit more of a think about it. I think Rick’s just decided it’s time to move on.

“It’s a surprise that Rick resigned because I thought he would be going on. He’s been here for six years and he’s coached very well over that time.

“As a club we’d like to thank Rick for his six years. You wouldn’t get a better man for the input he puts into his job. Rick leaves us in really good stead, whoever comes in and takes over has got a ready-made side.”