John Garrard steps down as Old Eltham Collegians coach

Respected Old Eltham Collegians coach John Garrard says securing the Turtles’ future in the Northern Football League means it is time for him to hand over the club’s coaching reins.

Old Eltham Collegians coach John Garrard. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Old Eltham Collegians is on the lookout for a new coach after John Garrard announced his decision to step down.

Garrard has led the Turtles for the past two seasons, helping navigate the club’s move from the VAFA to the Northern Football League this year.

He said the “the time and effort” needed for the top job had taken a toll.

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“I’m taking some time to spend with the family — I’ll still be helping out,” Garrard said.

“Last year was all about making sure we survived and then this year was about moving over to Northern (Football League) and rebuilding.

“The plan was to take three years but we’re ahead of schedule so it seemed a good opportunity to pass it along to someone else.

Old Eltham Collegians coach John Garrard. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I did what I was asked to do and I’m happy with how we’re tracking.”

After just one win in VAFA Division 2 last year, Collegians were an unknown quantity coming into the competition.

However, the Turtles improved significantly as the season progressed and with one game to go have six wins and a draw, including a 65-point hammering of South Morang.

Garrard will not be lost to Collegians, taking on an off-field role strengthening the club’s partnership with feeder club Yarrambat.

The respected coach debuted five under-17s from Yarrambat this season and hoped to establish an Old Eltham under-19s for 2020.

John Garrard talks to his players. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I’ll still be continuing through, helping with the recruitment of the new coach and end-of-season exit interviews,” Garrard said.

“It was just the time commitments of coaching senior footy … it’s just takes up too much time.

“I’ve got a couple of young kids that I need to spend more time with and help them with their school work that I’ve neglected a little bit.”

Old Eltham is the sixth club searching for a new coach.

Fellow Division 3 club Reservoir sacked David Nelson earlier this season, while Division 2 clubs Eltham, Thomastown and Diamond Creek and Division 1 side Northcote Park are also in the market.

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