NFL 2018: Hurstbridge coach Trevor Little gone for second time in Division 1 season

HURSTBRIDGE remains adamant it can dodge relegation despite the disruption of losing its coach for the second time this year with only three rounds remaining.

HURSTBRIDGE remains adamant it can dodge relegation despite the disruption of losing its coach for the second time this year with only three rounds remaining.

The Bridges have parted ways with coach Trevor Little, who informed the Northern Football League club three weeks ago he could not see out the season due to work commitments.

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During what has been a year of upheaval at Hurstbridge, Little initially stepped down in June but made a stunning return 10 days later after a change of committee.

The club has denied suggestions an incident at a function on Saturday led to Little’s resignation.

When asked whether that had been the case, interim president Mario Licciardi said: “Not at all”.

“The club has been through enough this year. We are always going to get people saying from what happened mid-season that there are incidents and problems.

“We believe this is the best decision for both parties, given where we are.”

Hurstbridge, which has lost its past 10 matches to sit ninth on the Division 1 ladder, will be led by a team of assistant coaches for the rest of 2018.

“I believe we have got the talent there to assist us with getting over the line,” Licciardi said.

“But there will be no formal coach appointed. The position will be advertised and then we will review it before pre-season.”

Hurstbridge coach Trevor Little has stepped down for the second time this season.

The Bridges have three games left to salvage their campaign, taking on Bundoora, Montmorency and Whittlesea.

The Round 18 clash against Whittlesea looms as a potential relegation showdown, with the teams both 2-13 after 15 rounds.

Hurstbridge is trying to finish its season on a positive note by avoiding relegation.

Hurstbridge (72.1) is ahead of Whittlesea (54.4) on the ladder thanks to its superior percentage.

“The guys are rallying behind that,” Licciardi said.

“They haven’t yet been able to put it on the paddock as to what we would have liked.

“But they have played with a lot of heart in the last half of the season.

“We believe we still will be in Division 1 next year.”

Licciardi said Little, who has been contacted and has confirmed his departure, would not return to the club in 2019.