Airport West announces Trent Rogers will stand down

With his time at Airport West now over, Trent Rogers has reflected on what he endured over the last three seasons. Here’s what he had to say.

With the final siren sounding on his time at Airport West, Trent Rogers is in a mood to reflect.

Rogers departed the Eagles after three seasons in charge at the end of the EDFL Premier Division season in a journey that saw the Eagles rise every year.

In 2021, they were in premiership contention before Covid saw the year ended early, they then won the Division 1 flag a year later.

Then this year, the Eagles were able to solidify their spot in the top tier with a 6-12 record.

“We won more games this year then we did in our previous three Premier Division campaigns combined,” Rogers said.

“From a club point of view, everyone was happy with the result. We ticked a lot of boxes this year, we had over 40 guys play senior footy.

“There was one game where half the side was under the age of 22 which is a pretty good position for us to be in.

“Looking back on the three years, I’ll have a big smile on my face. It was always going to be a big challenge for us and we managed to pull through it.

“I think the club is in a position where it’s set up for success.”

While he isn’t sure where his future might lie, Rogers admits there may come a time where he does return to the senior coaching ranks.

“It’s a very strange feeling at the moment,” he said.

“You’re usually at the club at least three times a week and there’s a lot of commitment to the preparation for a weekend as well. The club has been amazing for me, it has been a privilege to work with the playing group.

“If I’m honest, that fire in the belly is still there, but I’m not going to go into another coaching job if I can’t guarantee to be all in.”

EARLIER

It’s the end of an era at Airport West.

The Essendon District Football League club has confirmed Trent Rogers will coach his final game for the Eagles this weekend against Greenvale.

Rogers guided Airport West to the Division 1 premiership in 2022 before the club consolidated its spot in the top-tier this season.

Upon his decision being made public in a social media post, Rogers said he felt the right decision was being made.

“I’d like to thank you all for the wonderful support you’ve shown me and my family over the past 3 seasons as Senior Coach of this great club.

“It is with a heavy heart, that I inform you all that my time as senior coach will come to an end after Saturday’s game against Greenvale.

“This decision has been tremendously hard to make, but is the right one for both myself and the AWFC.

“I am so proud of all our players, past and present, it’s fair to say we’ve achieved great things and the club is in a very strong position to consolidate, and climb the Premier Division ladder.

“There are many people I owe so much gratitude towards, and I’ll be sure to mention you all at our senior presentation night.

“All the very best to everyone involved at the club. I honestly can’t thank everyone enough for what’s been an amazing time.”

Ahead of the final home-and-away game, the Eagles sit seventh on the ladder with a record of six wins and 11 losses.

Saturday’s game will be played at Hansen Reserve from 2.15pm.