Lindsay Gilbee steps down as coach of Port Colts
The former Western Bulldogs star stepped aside because of his family and work commitments. But the Colts say he’ll help them find a new senior coach.
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Former Western Bulldogs star Lindsay Gilbee has stood down as senior coach of Port Melbourne Colts.
Gilbee, 39, told the club it had become too difficult to juggle coaching with his family and work commitments.
President Steve Duvnjak said Port Melbourne Colts were disappointed to lose a person of Gilbee’s profile and standing in the game but understood his reasons.
Gilbee joined the Division 1 Southern league affiliate after a 2018 season in which the Colts finished down the list.
They recruited well and finished fifth with a 10-8 record last season, defeating St Paul’s in the elimination final but falling to East Malvern a week later.
Duvnjak said Gilbee was much respected and the players were “devastated’’ he had stepped aside.
“But at the end of the day it’s family, work, footy,’’ he said.
“I think it might have been a shock to him as to how much is involved in local football but at the end of the day he was massive for us.
“He helped rebuild our club on and off the field, helped attract players, helped us recruit players.
“By no means is he walking away from the club. He’s going to be part of the recruitment process to help us find a new coach.’’
Former Colts president and Coburg VFL president Kevin “Skippy’’ Breen will also be involved in selecting Gilbee’s successor.
Duvnjak said Port Colts and Gilbee had been excited about the club’s prospects this year after recruiting Western Region champion Kwame McHarg and former Richmond forward Jake King and regaining Jason Perkins.
Ruckman Hamish Hosking was also signed from Mulwala, where he was a Murray league representative.
Duvnjak said the Colts believed the coaching position would attract a strong field of candidates and the club was well positioned for a successful 2021.
“The list we’ve got, we’re happy with, and we’ll keep it together,’’ he said.
“We’re in really good shape going forward.’’
Gilbee joined the Colts from AFL club St Kilda, where he had been an assistant coach under Alan Richardson and coached VFL side Sandringham.
Meanwhile, Cheltenham has reappointed 2019 grand final senior coach Des Ryan.
The former Richmond defender joined the Rosellas in 2016.
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