VFL 2019: Frankston general manager Gary Buckenara to leave the club

Just two weeks out from the new season, one of the key figures responsible for getting Frankston back into the VFL last year has been let go by the club.

Frankston mayor Brian Cunial (left) and Frankston Dolphins general manager Gary Buckenara. Picture: Supplied

The Frankston Dolphins have let go one of the key figures in their 2018 comeback to the VFL, former Hawthorn champion Gary Buckenara.

General manager Buckenara confirmed tonight he was leaving the club immediately.

He said he was surprised and disappointed by the decision, which comes two weeks before the start of the season.

“It did come as a shock, yeah,’’ he said.

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“I was disappointed that after getting the club into a good position … to be told the board wanted to look in another management direction.

“It wasn’t my decision, put it that way.

“I think I improved the profile of the club, I think I improved the credibility, the professionalism, how we were looked at in the community.

“But that’s footy. Life goes on.’’

He said he wished the club well.

In a statement, Frankston president Peter Geddes said: “We wish to advise that Gary Buckenara and the Frankston Dolphins are parting ways as Gary’s role as GM of Frankston Football Club comes to a close.

Happier times: Gary Buckenara (third from right) celebrates Frankston’s return to the VFL last year with other club officials.

“The board would like to express thanks to Gary for his significant role managing the club over the last two years in what has been a most challenging and difficult time. The club will make announcements about the future management of the football club in the next few days.

“On behalf of members, sponsors and stakeholders we would like to wish Gary all the best in his future endeavours.’’

Ahead of training tonight, Geddes informed the players and coaching staff of Buckenara’s departure.

Buckenara, 60, joined Frankston in January, 2017, a few months after it was stripped of its VFL licence after falling in to financial difficulties.

At the time of the appointment Geddes said the former Hawk would be a cornerstone of efforts to rebuild the Dolphins.

Frankston Football Club past players (from left) Alan Wickes, Ken Jungwirth, Bryan Mace, Gary Buckenara and Mick O’Neil during a membership drive last month. Picture: Wayne Taylor

“Gary was an outstanding Hawthorn player winning four premierships, he was an AFL coach at Sydney Swans and has spent the last 15 years in coaching, recruiting, talent list and management roles at Hawthorn and North Ballarat football clubs,” he said.

“We are fortunate that he has chosen Frankston Dolphins as his new home.”

He said the Dolphins “head hunted’’ Buckenara as general manager.

Amid jubilant scenes the Dolphins regained their licence in August, 2017 and resumed in the state league last year.

Buckenara and former JJ Liston Trophy champion Geddes worked closely on Frankston’s submission to AFL Victoria to re-enter the competition.