Redland Football Club will be seeking a new coach for the 2017 NEAFL season after Chris David stood down from his post last week.
David made his announcement in the change rooms, and then later to supporters and members during the post-match awards, after the Bombers’ 53-point win in their last match of the season against Canberra at Tildbold Park.
David coached the NEAFL side for two seasons recording identical 7-11 win-loss records in 2015 and 206, but his involvement with the club in various coaching roles stretches back to 2000.
While the Bombers didn’t achieve any team success during the David reign, the club has led the way in the competition in producing AFL draftees, with six players graduating to AFL ranks from the 2015 NEAFL list, and two players invited to participate in National and State Combines during October this year.
On Sunday night, the club produced its third NEAFL Rising Star winner, with Matt Uebergang (2015) and Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds (2016) both winning the award under the David tutelage.
David said it was time to step to step down from his post in order for the club to move forward.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to come to, because it’s my footy club. I’ve been there since 2000,” he said.
“But I just thought I couldn’t do any more, and it’s probably someone else’s opportunity to try and get them into finals.
“At the end of the day, I know I can walk away happy with what I’ve done, knowing I did everything I can do.”
Redland Football Operations Manager, Martin King, said David gave his all to the role.
“Chris David has given his heart and soul to this club during his tenure as a senior and assistant coach,” he said.
“He made a full-time commitment to a part-time job and embraced the charter of what our club believes the NEAFL is all about – encouraging young developing local talent to be the best they can possibly be.
“Chris and his supportive wife Deb have been an integral part of the Redland Football Club for a long period, and Chris departs from a coaching perspective with great admiration and respect from all involved at the club.”
With their season now done, the Bombers will advertise the senior coaching role through the appropriate channels as they look to make ground on the rest of the competition in the 2017 NEAFL season.