Dumped AFL Cairns boss to stay involved

A sacked former AFL Cairns coach says his days as a senior mentor are over but he is open to another role at a local football club.

Former coach Wayne Sharkie with members of the Centrals club. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN.

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Dumped Centrals Trinity Beach coach Wayne Sharkie says his days as a senior coach are over but he is open to another role at a local football club.

The experienced former Victorian-based mentor was sacked with a season to go on his contract at AFL Cairns club CTB a week ago, after leading the Bulldogs in season 2019.

When Sharkie, who was involved at a number of Melbourne suburban clubs over his career, moved to FNQ a couple of years ago he never planned to be a senior coach, until CTB offered him their top job.

Wayne Sharkie. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN.

Around 18 months later, now with the Crathern Park-based team under the guidance of new president John Hollander and full-time paid football manager Sam Blease, Sharkie was given his marching orders on the eve of the 2020 season resuming from the coronavirus stoppage.

“We had some differences in the way the club needed to go forward in the next 18 months,” Sharkie said.

“We decided that it was best that someone else started now.”

Following the club’s decision to end his tenure early, Sharkie said he will not again look for a top job in local footy.

Sharkie will remain in FNQ, recently purchasing a house in Trinity Beach with his partner.

He may not be lost to football.

Former coach Wayne Sharkie with members of the Centrals club. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN.

“I have a few meetings, coffees organised with a few people over the next week or so,” Sharkie said.

“About footy and all different stuff.

“This was always going to be my last head coaching role.

“It is time to smell the roses for a little … who knows, we will see what happens.”

CTB have appointed their coach for the rest of 2020, with Brad Wallace to lead the Bulldogs.

Wallace, a former City Lions player, will lead the club, strongly supported by key players Mark Horne and Jackson Williams, and Blease.

The new season is set to restart on July 11.

Meanwhile, Manunda Hawks officials will on Tuesday meet with AFL Cairns to iron out their financial issues for the 2020 season.

AFL Cairns football manager Craig Lees last week said everything should be ticked off over the next week, following more conversations with the board.

Originally published as Dumped AFL Cairns boss to stay involved