EFL 2018: Wantirna South coach Jess Sinclair steps down from role at Eastern Football League club
WANTIRNA South will have its third coach in as many years in 2019 after Jess Sinclair’s decision to step down from the role after just one season.
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WANTIRNA South will have its third coach in as many years in 2019 after Jess Sinclair’s decision to step down from the role after just one season.
Sinclair replaced long-serving Devils mentor Matt Clark at the end of 2017 but will not serve the second year of his contract as he relocates interstate.
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The 40-year-old met meet with Wantirna South’s committee on Thursday before the club announced on Monday it was on the hunt for a new coach.
President Steve Draper said Sinclair offered to continue in the role while he prepared to move.
“I didn’t think it was best for our footy club and he agreed with that but he made the offer that he didn’t want to leave us high and dry,” Draper said.
“He was very committed to us but life has changed for him.”
Draper said the Devils had suspected they may be looking for a new coach soon after Sinclair recommitted for next year.
“We had wind of this a little bit late in the season, he was very open with us but we told him we would see how it goes,” he said.
“No hard feelings, we’re not p*ssed off with him, but just in a position where we’ve got to find someone else.”
In a twist, Sinclair’s decision follows the career lineage between himself and former teammate Heath Black.
The pair took on coaching positions at Division 2 clubs this year after playing 192 AFL games, but both stepped down from their posts after just one season.
Draper said the Devils had “started speaking to some possible candidates, who have shown interest”.
“I think we’re going to be OK as far as finding someone suitable but we haven’t got someone yet,” he said.
“All we’ve done is had phone calls and said, ‘let’s meet’.”
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