Damian Cupido has stepped down as Girgarre’s senior football coach six weeks out from the new Kyabram District League season the club announced this week.
Cupido has resigned from the role for personal reasons Girgarre Football Netball Club said in a statement on Monday night.
“Damian Cupido approached the executives of the GFNC and expressed his desire to step down as senior coach effective immediately,” it said.
“Damian stated that he feels he is neither mentally nor emotionally fit to coach the 2023 season. We fully respect and support Damian's decision and will support Damian through these issues.”
Girgarre president Mathew Graetz reiterated the club would be there to support Cupido.
“We will support him in any way we can help – if that’s a phone call or catching up for a coffee, whatever it is,” Graetz said.
“He approached the club a few days ago saying he was struggling with a few things and asking if it was okay if he steps down for the year.
“Anyone that plays at our club is part of the family. Be it if they are there for one year or 30 years. Our most important thing at this point of time is helping him get himself right. Football is only a small part of anyone’s life.”
Cupido joined Girgarre as the senior coach in 2022, kicking 105 goals as he helped the Kangaroos return to the finals for the first time since 2001.
Graetz said Cupido would still play for the club this year.
Brendan Baumann, Girgarre’s director of football and a Girgarre life member, will take on the role of senior coach.
Baumann played for the Roos for a decade and has previously coached Girgarre’s reserves and thirds.
Graetz said keeping things consistent was a big factor in appointing Baumann, adding the club is still confident it can compete for a finals spot again this season despite the change in coaches.
“Brendan has been working with Damian for the last year-and-a-half. We thought the best thing we could do was appoint someone from within the group so it is a seamless transition,” Graetz said.
“We have faith in the list that we have. We can’t see there being any dramatic change. The same goals are still there, the same aspirations are still there.”
Cupido, 40, played 53 AFL games for Essendon and Brisbane and led Rumbalara to its last senior football premiership in 2014 as a playing coach
Girgarre finished eighth on the ladder last season with seven wins and nine losses, before being knocked out in the elimination final.
The Roos will take on Shepparton East in round one of the new season on Saturday, April 15 – taking on the same team that beat them in last year’s finals series.