FOOTBALL
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
By LIAM DURKIN
MORWELL Football-Netball Club has been dealt a major blow, with senior football coach Shaun Mooney stepping down.
Mooney told players after the side’s 70 point loss to Leongatha in the Gippsland League at the weekend.
While three consecutive defeats and a win-loss record of one-four appeared a conspicuous reason for his departure, this was far from the case.
“No way was he pushed out,” a Morwell FNC official told the Express.
Mooney was travelling from Bairnsdale to coach three times a week.
Having coached for well over a decade, and with the added responsibility of being father to four kids, it became clear something had to give.
It is understood Mooney flagged the issue with Morwell executives some weeks ago.
The two parties tried to work through a range of scenarios to help ease the burden. Ultimately however, it was best for everyone that he stepped down.
Mooney was reportedly shattered his two-year appointment came to such an abrupt end.
In a testament to the man – one of the most respected in Gippsland football – the first thing he did when telling Morwell of his decision was to apologise.
Furthermore, it is also understood no mention of money was ever discussed.
Ironically, his departure mirrored his arrival.
Only a select few people knew Mooney had signed as coach last September.
Only a select few knew he was going to pull the pin last Saturday as well.
Ever the professional, Mooney did not allow his personal situation to effect his coaching.
By all accounts, he coached with full intent and focus at the weekend.
The players themselves were shocked, and in no way were glad to see the back of him.
“He’s a good coach and a great bloke,” one player told this writer.
Morwell denied issues regarding the performance of the senior team or lack of numbers in the reserves (Mooney himself had been forced to play a game) contributed to his decision.
The Tigers’ on-field fortunes have not been totally unexpected so far this season, although a home loss to Bairnsdale and essentially one bad quarter against Maffra has cost it a potentially healthier ladder position.
As they say, bad things happen in threes.
Morwell lost half its finals team from last season, and VFL recruit Will Lewis during the offseason (who was drafted to the Western Bulldogs), to now go with Mooney’s exit.
In a statement, the club said it respected his decision.
“While we are disappointed that his time with us is coming to an end sooner than anticipated, we completely understand and respect the reasons behind his decision,” the statement read.
“Our club has always been guided by values that place family, health and work ahead of football commitments, and we fully support Shaun in prioritising what matters most.
“We are sincerely grateful for Shaun’s leadership, dedication and contribution over the past seven months, and we thank him for the positive impact he has had on our senior program.”
Morwell is expecting to confirm its senior coaching arrangements in coming days.
Current senior captain Aidan Quigley has been touted as a practical appointment, while the Tigers have a highly capable group of current assistants, led by prominent local footy figure Tim Darby.
Noise around a possible return of Morwell’s last premiership coach, Harmit Singh, has also gained traction in the last few days.
