Thomastown advertising for new senior coach as premiership winner Dean Sinclair prepares to step down

DEAN Sinclair returned to Thomastown before the 2014 Northern Football League season with the club at a crossroads.

Thomastown will have a new senior coach next year with Dean Sinclair stepping down. Picture: Mark Dadswell.

DEAN Sinclair returned to Thomastown before the 2014 Northern Football League season with the club at a crossroads.

The Bears had lost former mentor Steve Krstevski to Watsonia and were without a coach midway through pre-season when Sinclair answered their call and agreed to return to the top job.

Less than 12 months later, he was a dual premiership coach.

As he prepares to stand aside at season’s end, Sinclair said he was proud of what he had achieved during his second stint as Bears coach.

“Originally when I took over I was only doing it for a year anyway,” Sinclair said.

“I got stuck with it for the next couple of years.

“But to be able to win that premiership in 2014 and then have the year we did last year and consolidate a spot in the second division, it’s been a pretty good achievement.”

Sinclair told Thomastown officials before the start of the season 2016 would be his last year in charge due to travel plans. But he will remain involved with the club next year and could play a role in the selection of his replacement.

“There’s a lot to work with,” he said.

“Those young blokes, they were only 19-20 when they won that flag in Div 3 in 2014. They’ve had me for three years, it will probably be good for them to freshen up and hear a new voice.”

Sinclair, who also coached Thomastown to a premiership in 2008, said he was confident the Division 2 club’s future was bright.

“This year, I think we’ve played four kids that are 18 or under,” he said.

“Three of them are 17-year-olds and the other one only just turned 18.

“Between the four of them they’ve got 12 or 13 games of senior footy.

“We’ve played them to give them a taste of senior footy and they’re all going to be good senior players for the club.”

Sinclair has enjoyed a 65 per cent winning record over the past three years.

Thomastown returns from a bye on Saturday against North Heidelberg.

Sinclair’s final two games at the helm are against Lalor and Panton Hill.

The Bears have started advertising for a senior coach for 2017. Details: Peter on 0408 399 138.