Goodwood Saints coach Luke Donaldson steps down from role

A division one Adelaide Footy League premiership coach will step down at the end of the season as he aims to save his side from relegation in his last game at the helm.

A division one Adelaide Footy League premiership coach will step down from the role at the end of this season after four years in charge.

Goodwood Saints coach Luke Donaldson has called time on his tenure as A Grade coach after a four-year stint which included a division one premiership in 2020.

A dual premiership player with the Saints, Donaldson has been one of the club’s most popular figures and said the call to step down was a tough one to make.

“It was a personal decision – I had a think about it and ultimately I want to spend more time with the family and my kids are getting to the age where I’ve missed out on a few things for them,” Donaldson said.

“We’ve had a really big couple years with our business as well so I can dedicate more time to that.

Goodwood Saints coach Luke Donaldson has called time on his tenure at the helm and will step down after this weekend’s game. Picture: Dean Martin

“I’ve given everything I can for the club and I’m definitely happy with what we’ve been able to achieve.

“Being A Grade coach has been an enormous honour – I haven’t quite experienced a club like this with volunteers putting so much in and I’ll always be grateful for the instant love and affection I’ve received from everybody.”

The Saints achieved significant success under Donaldson with a number of deep finals runs following the 2020 flag.

He said he had a number of highlights he’d look back on at the end of the season.

Donaldson with former AFL and Goodwood star Shane Tuck in 2014. Picture: Sam Wundke

“The premiership was obviously a real highlight during what was a really challenging year with Covid as well,” Donaldson said.

“Also something which I’ll always be proud of is my investment in helping guys off of the field, whether it’s with work or just their general wellbeing.

“Losing Tucky (Shane Tuck) during that premiership year I guess reinforced that as well and I think we’ve definitely been strong in that space.”

Donaldson’s side has experienced a different challenge on the ladder this season, currently sitting in eighth, one point clear of ninth spot St Peter’s OC and relegation to division two.

Goodwood celebrates its 2020 division one flag. Picture: Dean Martin

Goodwood will either need to beat a favoured Broadview away from home in the final round of the year this weekend, or hope SPOC loses to Port District to guarantee safety in the division.

Donaldson said the club would be back challenging for flags in the near future.

“I absolutely think this sort of season can be a great springboard for the next attack at premiership success.

“We’ve brought a lot of young guys through and our juniors, B and C Grades have also been very strong.

“I’ve got great respect for Broadview and what coach Matt Burgess is doing there, we know they’re going to be a tough opponent but I think if we can stick to our process and play at our best we can end the year on a high.”

The Saints will take on the Tigers from 2.15pm Saturday at Broadview Oval.