Marc Greig was almost lost for words as the realisation that he would not be leading North Ballarat Roosters into battle in the VFL next year sank in on Thursday.
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Greig, who had an option to extend his two-year tenure as head coach into a third season, had been hoping AFL Victoria would see fit to licence the Roosters for a 23rd season.
“I don’t know what to think.”
Greig said he was disappointed for the players.
He said they had committed themselves to the club and playing in the VFL, and now their football careers were up in the air.
AFL Victoria has stated it will assist players find new clubs if they wish to continue VFL careers, with operations manager John Hook prepared to meet with players to discuss their futures.
For Greig, the end of the road for the Roosters means more to him than most.
He has spent almost two decades with the club since graduating from the North Ballarat Rebels.
Greig has given his football heart and soul to the Roosters as a player – setting a club games record, serving as captain, and being a three-time premiership player – and since retiring at the end of 2012 as a line, assistant and head coach.
Greig said he had made telephone calls to his coaching panel, team leaders and as many plays as possible on getting the news of the AFL Victoria decision. He said all the players and support staff would get together at the Roosters’ presentation dinner this weekend.