The 2016 premiership coach dropped the bombshell on Tuesday night, announcing it to players on the back of the Cobras’ elimination final loss to Darley on Sunday.

Hodgson told The Courier said his decision was not linked with the earlier than expected exit from the finals.

He said he had informed club president Adam Sutherland a few days after last home and away round that he would not be fulfilling his contract and extending his stay at Maddingley Park to four years.

He said the decision would have remained the same even if Bacchus Marsh had gone deeper into finals. 

Hodgson said the extended travel and subsequent time this added to fulfilling the coaching role at Bacchus Marsh had led to his decision. He lives in Sunbury and works in Northcote.

“It’s just become too much, it’s taken a toll. “I’m cooked,” he said.

Hodgson has a young family –  his children are aged 10 to 17 years – and he said the travel on top of the time needed coach at senior level in a major league had reached a tipping point.

He said he and the club had talked about the possibility of easing the workload, but this had been ruled out.

“If I can’t give 100 per cent, you can’t expect your players to give 100 per cent.

“Everyone has to be fully committed.”

While he is leaving Bacchus Marsh, Hodgson said he still had the desire to coach and planned to coach again next year – closer to home.

When asked whether he would consider a return to Sunbury – he played his junior football with the Lions and played in their 1997 premiership in the BFL – if the opportunity arose, Hodgson admitted “it would be a perfect fit for me and my family.”

He coached the Sunbury youth girls under-18 side this year.

Sunbury is yet to announce whether Ben Jordan will be coaching the Lions for a third season in 2019. The Lions missed the finals this year for the first time they joined the BFL in 1997.

Hodgson succeeded Cam Richardson as Bacchus Marsh non-playing coach in 2016 and not only immediately led the Cobras to finals for the first time 

since 2001, but also took them to their first BFL premiership.

This achievement ensures he will always have a special place in the club’s history.

He again guided them to last year’s grand final, only to lose to Darley.

Bacchus Marsh finished  fifth this season after being in second position with one home and away round to play.

He initially had a two-year contract and extended it midway through last season until 2019.

Sutherland said it was naturally disappointing to lose Hodgson, but he respected his decision which allow him and the club to take a new direction.

He said the whole club had come a long way on and off the field since Hodgson arrived.

Sutherland said the Cobras had been struggling up to the premiership year, but was now well position across the board – with much appeal to players and any prospective new coaches as a destination club.

He said it was clear during this season that Hodgson was feeling the effect of the travel required to undertake the coaching role.

Sutherland said the search for a new coach was already under way.

Hodgson believes Bacchus Marsh is in a strong position for the future despite a disappointing finish.

“It was of those seasons,” he said while reflecting on a series of close losses which cost the Cobras second position as a double chance.

He said the club had every reason to be positive about its future with a young list and with the ability to get into the market place.