Eastern league: Stewart Kemperman stands down as Doncaster coach

Doncaster will begin its search for a new senior coach following Stewart Kemperman’s “shock” resignation. LATEST HERE.

Doncaster coach Stewart Kemperman will step down from the role at season’s end. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Doncaster must find a new senior coach following Stewart Kemperman’s “shock” resignation.

The Sharks mentor has informed the club of his decision to step down from the role at season’s end, citing work and family commitments.

Kemperman took over at Schramms Reserve in October 2018, after guiding Berwick to back-to-back flags across 2017-18 in the now defunct South East league.

Kemperman led Berwick to two flags in his time as coach. Picture: AAP/Chris Eastman

He enjoyed a decorated playing career which included dual premierships with Noble Park in 2010-11 following a stint with Frankston in the VFL, and was named in the Bulls’ best Eastern league team.

Doncaster football operations manager Mick Gillin said the club was informed of Kemperman’s decision earlier this week.

The players were told at a meeting on Thursday night, prior to Melbourne’s lockdown taking hold from 8pm.

Gillin said while the players and club were “shocked” at the news, Kemperman moves on with the club’s understanding.

“From our point of view, we’re very disappointed in losing Stewart, we had plans of reappointing (Stewart) for next year,” Gillin said.

“But we fully understand why he’s resigned, so as a football club we’ve just got to move on as quick as possible and find ourselves a new senior coach by the end of September, which is our plan.”

Kemperman was a star defender for Noble Park in a powerful era for the club. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Kemperman said while it was a tough call to make, it was in the best interests of both parties to part ways.

The former Bulls champion works in primary education and hopes to devote more time to his young family and his career.

“It’s not an easy decision to make, but in reflecting on the balance of time I’m spending working, with family, and on footy, it’s probably not the right balance at the moment,” Kemperman said.

“The other side of it is, career-wise, I’m really keen to start developing and putting more time into my career and progressing through that as well.

“With those things in mind, even though there is no clear destination yet career-wise, that’s probably where my intent is that will unlock time to spend with the family.

“If I was to continue in the role at Doncaster, it would just be a matter of time before I’d have to call them and inform them that I can’t coach anymore because I’ve got a new opportunity.

“I don’t want to do that to a club that I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of and has been so good to me.”

Kemperman took over the Sharks’ coaching role following long-serving premiership mentor Andrew Tranquilli’s exit. The club battled through a mammoth injury list in 2019 and posted an eighth-placed finish with a 4-14 record.

It currently sits eighth on the Premier Division ladder with a 3-6 record, with matches against Rowville and Noble Park (twice) to come, barring any further fixture changes through this week’s games set to be missed.

Interested parties in the Doncaster coaching job are encouraged to call Mick Gillin on 0429 854 001 or email [e-mail].