Tatura will need to start looking for its new senior coach after Paul Kirby informed the club he will step down from the role at season’s end.
Kirby told the playing group last week that he would not put his hand up to coach the Bulldogs in 2023 and that he would take a break from football.
After more than 20 years of playing and coaching in the region, Kirby — a two-time senior premiership player at the Kennel — said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family.
“I told the club a few weeks ago that I would step down at the end of the season,” Kirby said.
“I need a break (from footy). My main focus is to be able to spend more time with my family. Coaching takes up so much of your time and I have a daughter who is eight, so I felt like it was more important to watch her grow up and dedicate my Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to her now.
“It was a tough call; I love the club and I love the boys.”
The club legend departs after three years at the helm.
Tatura president James Pyke thanked Kirby for his hard work and dedication to the role in what he described as the “toughest time” for local football.
“I just wish we could have repaid him with some success, especially after everything he’s done for the club,” Pyke said.
“To Kirbs’ credit he let us know quite early on and he gave us the heads up. He’s the first person to want to see us succeed.
“I feel for him because he’s had to coach in what’s been the toughest time for local footy and the club thanks him for everything he’s done.”
Kirby’s tenure at Tatura coincided with the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic.
The first year in 2020 was cancelled before it began and last year’s season came to an abrupt end halfway through the campaign.
Tatura currently sits in 11th spot on the Goulburn Valley League ladder and has endured an injury-riddled year on-field.
Kirby cited the impact of COVID-19 as another factor in his decision.
“I appreciate I got the chance to coach Tatura — even in trying circumstances,” he said.
“I wish it was in better circumstances and I wish we had more luck but I count myself very lucky to be able to coach a club that means so much to me.
“We missed the window in 2020 after we retained the list and picked up quite a few players as well. Then a few of those boys didn’t return in 2021 and we then lost quite a number of senior leaders this year.
“Especially losing those seasons to COVID, after you spend so much time recruiting and planning. It does take its toll, but everyone else was in the same boat.”
Despite the challenging season, Kirby said the senior list had a “good group” of 18 to 21-year-old talents.
With an established core of GVL regulars at their disposal, along with multiple promising stars, Pyke said the key now would be to bring in some firepower.
“We’ve got some good kids there and our job now is to get some bigger bodies and get some experience in to help,” he said.
“We have started our search for a new coach and we’ve began talking. If someone out there is interested in coming in and helping the club then we want them to get in touch.”