Heidelberg is on the hunt for a new coach on the eve of the season
Respected coach Frank Raso admits “something had to give” after increasing work commitments forced him to step down at Heidelberg but he believes the Tigers already have their replacement.
Local Footy
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Departing Heidelberg coach Frank Raso says he’s devastated to be leaving the NFL Division 1 club.
The respected coach stepped down due to increasing work commitments and praised the Tigers for supporting him during a difficult period.
“I’m really disappointed that I have to stop. I tried really hard but something had to give,” he said.
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“The club had been aware for four or five weeks that work issues had come up, so it was no shock.
“The whole club has been really understanding of my situation, unfortunately it just got to the stage where it was going to be too much for me to handle.
“The extra work with my business, raising a young family and doing the (coaching) role at the right level.”
Raso led the Tigers for two years, stunning the competition by finishing second with a 14-4 record this season after a 10-8 record in 2018.
Jack Blair has signed with VFL outfit Port Melbourne, while veterans Ryan Stone, Sam Grimley and Tom Sullivan have departed this off-season.
However, the rise of young guns Lachlan Wilson, Nathan Honey, Matt Cecchin, Fletcher Carroll and Will Goss would keep the club competitive.
“We’re in a really good position at the moment and that just adds to my disappointment,” Raso said.
In a club statement, Heidelberg president Tim Wilson thanked Raso for his service.
“Frankie has had a really positive impact on our club and it is unfortunate and disappointing that he is unable to continue in the role for 2020,” the statement said.
“We’d like to thank him for his commitment and dedication to the players while he was in the role.
“A particular feature of Frankie’s tenure was the support and development of our younger players, standing us in really good stead for the years ahead.”
Assistant coach Danny Nolan will take over as interim coach during the search but Raso backed the five-time premiership player and four-time best-and-fairest winner to take the reins.
“I think Danny’s ready – you never really know until you get in the driver’s seat – but he’s had a great career, a great Heidelberg person,” Raso said.
“The feedback in the last 24 to 48 hours has been overwhelming from the players, they all want him to do it.”
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