EDFL 2019: Airport West coach Geoff Maddern stands down

Just days after it was revealed he would remain at the helm next season, Airport West coach Geoff Maddern has stepped aside, pointing to off-field issues.

Geoff Maddern has stepped down as Airport West coach. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Airport West premiership coach Geoff Maddern is on the move.

Just days after revealing he would continue in the top job at the EDFL club in 2020, Maddern has departed because of off-field issues.

Maddern, who was unwilling to divulge the details behind his exit, is keen to coach elsewhere next season.

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“A bit of an issue came up this week and we came to a bit of an impasse,” Maddern said.

“It just got to a point where if I stayed I’d be compromising the club and if I did what I was asked to do, I’d be compromising my principles.

“I just decided at that point I’d rather coach somewhere else or not at all.

Outgoing Airport West coach Geoff Maddern. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It was just for the good of the club and particularly the people on the committee who have supported me incredibly well, and just for the good of the footy club going forward.

“Something had to change.”

The Eagles experienced a challenging season in Premier Division after earning promotion following their grand final triumph last year, finishing in last position with a 2-16 record.

The club remained a chance of avoiding the drop with two rounds remaining, but a 77-point loss to Avondale Heights in Round 17 sealed its fate.

Maddern also led Airport West to the Division 1 decider in 2017, when he shared the top job with Moonee Valley coach Shanon Carroll.

Jayden Ranno under pressure from Ryan Townsend. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It’s probably a little bit late in the picture now, but who knows,” Maddern said when asked if he wanted to coach at another club next season.

“I love coaching, it’s really enjoyable. It just didn’t work out at Airport West going forward, but the sun’s going to rise tomorrow.

“I’m pretty proud of the record we had.

“We had a disappointing season this year … we didn’t meet our expectations across the board, and there’s always going to be a bit of fallout from that, and that’s just what’s happened.”

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