Searl has informed the Central Highlands Football League club of his desire to step down from the role at season’s end, which he hopes will be after the Tigers have secured a historic third-straight flag.

No team in the league’s history has won three successive senior premierships.

Searl admitted he had lost some of his love for playing and coaching the game and said the time was right for him to step aside from the position.

The 32-year-old said he had neglected some of the areas that are required to get the most out of himself and others.

“I’ve played a lot of football, 12 years in the VFL, it certainly takes its toll,” Searl, a former captain of the North Ballarat Roosters, said.

“Now I’m at that stage where I’m looking forward to enjoying my weekends. I’ll still potentially play, but I’m just looking forward to a bit more free time and less time on the phone during the week as well.”

Searl joined Springbank for the 2015 season, and after playing in the club’s senior premiership that year, he took over the reins as senior coach in a joint capacity with Nick Couch. The pair then led the Tigers to a second flag last season, before Searl was appointed to continue the role in his own right.

During Searl’s time at Springbank, the Tigers have lost just six matches.

The senior side is third on the ladder and will take on Creswick this Saturday.