Southern league: Change of coach at St Kilda City

St Kilda City’s coach explains why he stepped down as the Saints reveal who will take the reins for the remainder of the SFNL season.

Matt Hoy has stepped down as coach of St Kilda City. Picture: Steve Tanner

He awoke on Sunday morning feeling like “a million kilos” had been lifted from his shoulders.

Matt Hoy knew he’d made the right decision to step down as St Kilda City coach.

Just the day before, his Saints had knocked off top-of-the-ladder Cranbourne, at Cranbourne, with Dane Swan, Brendan Fevola and Aaron Edwards in mint form.

It was Hoy’s final game in charge.

He said “some personal stuff’’ was behind his decision.

“As I said to the footy club, coaches can only dream of standing in front of the guys I’m standing in front of but, yeah, just some personal stuff I’ve got to get to the bottom of,” he said.

“I made the decision what’s best for me and my little fella and my partner.”

Dane Swan. Picture: Steve Tanner

Hoy said St Kilda City was “in good hands”, with a real sense of belief existing at the Saints as they chase finals success.

“There are a lot of guys who are invested in that footy side,” Hoy said.

“None more than Swanny. He lives and breaths that football side, like, he loves it.

“I’ll still be around the boundary. If I’m up to it I’ll do a little bit of running and take some training sessions if I’m still feeling good.”

The Saints’ coaching role for the remainder of the season will be shared between three: Hoy’s older brother Ryan, Marley Jobling and Brett Mason, who was assistant coach under Richard Houston in the club’s last premiership.

Edwards and Swan will also help out, as on-field coaches.

Aaron Edwards takes a kickfor St Kilda City. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Hoy, 26, was made a St Kilda City life member after the game on Saturday.

He’s been a splendid servant of the Saints, rising through the Under 19s to be an assistant coach and senior mentor.

“We sung the song and Rodney (Gamlin) the president came in and gave me a life membership,’’ he said.

“Yeah, touching.

“Mate, I honestly didn’t expect that.

“Life membership isn’t something you think about, you just put in the work and when things like that happen it’s touching, I tell you.”

Hoy said Saturday was an emotional, draining day.

He fell asleep at 8 o’clock that night and the next thing he knew it was morning.

“That stuff takes it out of you, the lead up to it, the messages and the texts and then explanations and then all the emotions that go through the game,” he said.

“It feels like it’s a million kilos off my shoulders already, I mean I woke up feeling pretty fresh.”

St Kilda City is in fourth spot with an 8-4 record.

The Saints host Dingley, fifth, at the Peanut Farm on Saturday.