EFL 2019: Waverley Blues part ways with Bryce McGain

Bryce McGain has been axed as Waverley Blues coach, less than a week after he took the EFL Division 3 club to its first grand final since 2008.

Bryce McGain in the huddle during the EFL Division 3 grand final. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Waverley Blues have axed Bryce McGain as coach, less than a week after he took the club to their first grand final in 11 years.

The EFL Division 3 club announced on Thursday afternoon that McGain would not continue in the role in 2020.

Waverley finished fourth on the fourth-tier ladder and won two knockout finals to advance to the decider.

WAVERLEY OVERWHELMED IN GRAND FINAL

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It was the club’s first finals appearance since 2008.

Waverley Blues Coaching Announcement https://t.co/htNJRTeB4b

— Waverley Blues (@Waverley_Blues) September 12, 2019

The club held a review on Tuesday night, when the decision was made to make a change of coach.

McGain was informed on Wednesday he would not be continuing in the position.

Waverley president Stephen Pewtress said the club “overwhelmingly supported” the decision.

“It’s an unusual situation because anyone and everyone would acknowledge Bryce has done a phenomenal job for our club over the last nearly 10 years,” Pewtress said.

“We feel he’s probably reached his zenith and he’s achieved everything he needed to achieve.

“It might sound a little bit empty or shallow because we didn’t win a grand final but he’s certainly positioned our club in readiness to start hunting players.

“Understandably, Bryce is a little bit troubled with the decision but based on all the facts, evidence and assessment put in front of me from people I trust and rate, it’s a very strong move.

“It’s the right move for the club as we look to appoint next year’s coach and take us on the next path.”

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Waverley lost Saturday’s decider by 57 points as South Belgrave completed an undefeated season.

McGain had served in the senior position for the past two seasons and had coached premierships in the under-15s and 17s at the club.

He also helped launched Waverley’s junior academy in 2015, aimed at fostering its next wave of talent.

Pewtress said McGain had completed the objectives he set out to achieve.

Bryce McGain took Waverley to its first finals appearance in 11 years. Picture: Chris Eastman/AAP

“He’s done his job and he should be very proud of what he’s achieved and the club is certainly very proud of him,” he said.

“Waverley Blues is his club and I hope that continues and he can see in time he’ll have left a very strong legacy.

“He would have wanted to go on.

“This has not been an easy decision. It’s somewhat with a heavy heart I convey that we’ve had to make that decision.

“Time will tell whether it is absolutely the right one. Based on everything I know, it’s the right decision and we’re doing the right thing for the club.”

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