By Kirstie Fitzgerald
Werribee Districts is now on the hunt for a new senior coach after Wade Chapman announced he will no longer be at the helm in 2016.
Chapman told the team of his decision to step down from the role after the club’s Division One Grand Final loss to Deer Park on Saturday.
Having lead the Tigers to back to back finals campaigns in the past two seasons, Chapman said the decision came after the travel constraints from his home in Drysdale to Werribee became too great.
“I spent two happy but proud years being the coach of Werribee Districts and I go away saying that I coached them and we achieved things, too,” Chapman told Leader newspaper.
“The next couple of years they’ll go a long way.”
Club President Rod Harrington said that while they are disappointed to see Chapman leave, the club understood his decision.
“We’re sad to see Wade go, but understand the reasons behind his decision to move on.
“Wade leaves with our gratitude and well wishes for the future.”
Coming across to the WRFL in 2014 after a 17-year stint in the VAFA, Chapman led Werribee Districts to 27 wins from 41 appearances and was named as the assistant coach in the 2015 WRFL Division One Team of the Year.
Despite going down to Deer Park by 136-points in Saturday’s Grand Final, Chapman said he was proud of the team’s efforts and was pleased to leave the club in good shape to build on in 2016.
“When I took the job on there were a couple of goals I wanted to achieve,” Chapman said.
“First year into it — make an impact and I thought we did that straight away, (with a) prelim final. Second, when I did finish, I wanted to leave (the club) in good shape. Obviously the result today (wasn’t great) but played in a grand final, and the club and the list is in good shape.”
Days after the end of the 2015 season, the search is now on for a new senior coach at Soldiers Reserve.
For a position description, interested applicants are asked to contact Club President Rod Harrington via email at president.werribeedistrictsfc@bigpond.com
Remuneration will be based on application, presentation, experience and results.
Last Modified on 15/09/2015 09:22