EDFL 2018: East Keilor coach Ash Arrowsmith steps down after two seasons

East Keilor coach Ash Arrowsmith has made a call on his future after two years in charge at the Essendon District Football League Division 1 club.

WORK commitments have forced East Keilor star Ash Arrowsmith to step down from the top job after two years in charge at the Essendon District Football League Division 1 club.

Arrowsmith and Nick Grigg took over as co-coaches in 2017 after the club earned promotion following its Division 2 premiership triumph.

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Grigg walked out on the Cougars in June, crossing to Riddell District league outfit Rupertswood.

East Keilor president Geoff Nicholl said Arrowsmith was offered the opportunity to continue as coach.

Ash Arrowsmith has stepped down as coach at East Keilor. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“He’s just started a family and taken over his father’s business, so he’s under the pump a bit,” Nicholl said.

“He’s said if he’s going to be playing anywhere (in 2019), he’ll be playing at East Keilor.

“He said the work commitments are starting to get too much for him.”

The Cougars finished sixth with a 6-10 record after a fruitful off-season of recruiting.

But it was hit hard by injury and ended the year four games behind fourth-ranked Craigieburn.

Matthew Knight, Tom Gleeson, Dion Hill, David House, Tom Madden, Michael Licciardo and James Philpot were among the additions.

“Every club’s got injuries, but we seem to have got more than enough this year,” Nicholl said.

“He (Arrowsmith) has given opportunity to the young ones coming up as well. We’ve blooded a fair few under-19s through the senior side and given them a taste of it. That’s been pretty positive.

“It’s a good (job) for a new coach to take on, especially with the young juniors and under-19s coming through.”

Nicholl said the search for a new coach would start immediately.

Skipper Vince Madaffari and Hill headline those who have re-signed for next season.

“The key players and the leadership group, I’ve already spoken to them and they’ve given me a verbal commitment,” Nicholl said.

“It’s just a matter of getting it on paper.”