BFL news: Barwon Heads coach Dan Donati steps away from role

A premiership-winning coach has stepped away from his role after just one season at the helm. Find out why.

DEPARTING premiership coach Dan Donati believes Barwon Heads is in a strong position to keep contending as he steps away from the position.

Donati led Barwon Heads to a famous grand final victory against Torquay in his first season at the helm, but growing work commitments have caused the coach to resign.

He said it “would be unfair” for him to continue in the position.

“I started a new job halfway through the season, so I was travelling a lot interstate and it just became really hard to keep going,” he said.

“I probably could’ve gone on next season at about 60 per cent, but it’s unfair on the boys and it’s unfair on the club for me to not be completely in for the ride.

“It’s been a really special year, the club has been amazing about it all and I know they’re going to be competing again next year.”

Barwon Heads’ 2019 premiership coach Mitch Herbison will take the reigns once again, as will opposition analyst Sam Schaller, who spent the year coaching under Donati.

Donati said the club was fully supportive of the decision, and were well placed for 2023 with two experienced and knowledgeable coaches.

“It was a real bonus having Mitch and Sam, and probably one of the reasons why I was able to have discussions with the club about stepping away,” he said.

“They’re a couple guys who were really qualified to take over, it might’ve been a different conversation if we didn’t have those guys there waiting in the wings.

“Mitch is a premiership coach himself, and Sam has been in and around the coaching ranks forever it seems.

“He’s coached junior teams, he’s had tremendous success and he has good tight-knit relationships with the players.

“Stepping away and having these two guys come in and take over leaves me in a really comfortable position that I’m leaving the club in a really good position.”

Donati’s official tenure at the club was only one season, but the Seagulls still won a premiership under his leadership.

He said the premiership victory did not change his mind either way, and a loss would not have any bearing on his decision to leave.

“I don’t really subscribe to the notion of going out on a high, I never have,” he said.

“I think if you have more to give then keep going.

“I would’ve gone again if I could have, but the last few months have taken a toll on me and it’s the right time to step away.”

Originally published as BFL news: Barwon Heads coach Dan Donati steps away from role