Premier Cricket: Warren Ayres steps down as Carlton coach

Warren Ayres has stepped down as coach of Carlton after a four-year tenure that culminated in the Blues’ memorable grand final victory over Geelong.

Carlton celebrates its premiership. Picture: Arj Giese

Warren Ayres is leaving Carlton on the soaring high of the club’s memorable grand final victory.

The legendary Victorian Premier Cricket batsman confirmed today he had stood down as the Blues’ coach after four years.

Ayres steered Carlton to its first premiership since 1980-81, achieved when it remarkably chased down Geelong’s 9-409 in the final at the Junction Oval.

MORE PREMIER CRICKET NEWS

Lawford departs Fitzroy Doncaster

Casey South Melbourne regain top-liner

Peter Dickson to play on at the Lions

Gulbis guides Carlton to epic grand final win

Ayres said travel was a factor in his decision: he lives in the southern bayside area.

Warren Ayres at the club in 2015. Picture: Kris Reichl

“I don’t think people quite understand how big the job is coaching in Premier Cricket, how much time it takes to do things properly,’’ Ayres said this morning.

“The travel is part of it. But I’m working a full-time job and something like 30 hours a week with the cricket and it’s tough. I’ve been doing it for a long time now and you think, ‘Gee whiz, do I need a rest?’

“I think my family need me to be around a little more, no doubt about that.

“When I took over at Carlton I spoke to (president) John Douglas about it and I said I’d try to help deliver the First XI a flag. I said I’d do it for four years and that’s how it panned out. For four years we planned to win the flag. We got it and my job was done pretty much.’’

He said the grand final would be remembered as “one of the great games of Premier Cricket’’.

As for the future, Ayres said he would like to continue coaching and was open to offers, particularly at a higher level.

“I hope something pops up on my desk at some point, something I get really excited about,’’ he said.

“I’m open to anything. I’m open-minded to anything that comes my way. I’d look at it, simple as that. I’m not heading in any direction, I’ve got no immediate plans. All I know is I’ve achieved a lot in Premier Cricket and maybe it’s time to see if there’s anything out there in terms of the state set-up or Cricket Victoria. Who knows.’’

Ayres is District/Premier Cricket’s most prolific batsman, having hit 15,277 runs at 42.42, with a remarkable 41 centuries. He also played 46 matches for Victoria.

Before joining Carlton as coach he guided Dandenong to its first premiership, in 2006-07.

Meanwhile, Ayres said he hoped Carlton captain Evan Gulbis would be picked up by a Big Bash League team.

He said Gulbis’ finals performances — he hit 130 and took six wickets in the preliminary final and cracked unbeaten 149 in the grand final — and his role in the Blues winning the inaugural National Twenty20 title showed he was “a step above Premier Cricket’’.

“Fingers crossed something comes his way, because he has something to offer with his leadership and his ability with the bat and ball,’’ Ayres said.

“He’s a class act.’’