Playing coach Duane Hueston has decided to step down from the role at the end of the Kyabram District League season.
Club president Stewart Cook broke the news on Tuesday night.
Cook revealed that Hueston, a father of three, had made the call to step aside to focus on family commitments.
Hueston, a premiership player and coach at Echuca United, is halfway through his first season at the helm of the Eagles — after he joined at the end of 2019.
However, the experienced head is aiming to stay at Central Park Reserve and indicated he would attempt to play at the Eagles next year.
In a club statement, Cook thanked Hueston for his commitment to the role.
“In recent days, Duane announced to the playing group that he will not continue in the position as senior coach in season 2022,” Cook said.
“While Duane remains committed to this season and keeping the club moving forward, growing family commitments make coaching senior football in an ongoing capacity untenable.
“Since Duane returned to (the club) in 2019, he has displayed the utmost commitment to the club . . . although his job is not finished, on behalf of the club I would like to thank Duane for the job he has done so far and look forward to seeing what more (we) can achieve in the remainder of season 2021.”
The decision leaves the Eagles as the only club without a senior coach for 2022.
However, that role will not be vacant for long, with Cook saying the process to replace Hueston had already started.
“By making this announcement before the completion of season 2021, we feel we are well placed in the search for a new senior coach, someone who will fit our club structure, work with and add to our current playing group,” he said.
“This makes for exciting times for the club. Following completion of our recruitment process, I am hopeful we will be able to make an announcement regarding a new coach in a timely manner.”
The Eagles must quickly turn their attention to this weekend's round 12 contest against ladder-leader Lancaster.
Shepparton East will host the unbeaten outfit at Central Park Reserve.
This weekend will no doubt be a memorable one for Violet Town.
The Towners will celebrate their rich history on Saturday with a home match against Tallygaroopna.
The club is hosting its 125th anniversary festivities as well as past premiership reunions.
Rounding out the other matches, Avenel is still smarting from its maiden loss of the campaign.
The Swans suffered a narrow loss to Merrigum last week and return home for a clash against Dookie United.
Avenel playing coach Kasey Duncan said during the week that his side was hungry to respond.
“It probably isn't the worst time for a loss. It'll be a good wake-up call for us,” Duncan said.
“We are out for a bit of redemption this weekend. We want to show that last week was a one off.
“We know Dookie have got some serious A-grade talent. Injuries haven't been kind (to them), but we know we can't sleep on them.”
The Swans could unveil former Seymour superstar Saad Saad, with the high-flying maestro awaiting his clearance to be approved.
Girgarre returns from its bye with an away trip to Undera.
Stanhope is at home against Rushworth and Nagambie dukes it out against Longwood.
Murchison-Toolamba, Ardmona and Merrigum have a bye.
More local sport
Avenel lodges clearance for former Seymour superstar
Junior state hockey championships to roll into Shepparton this week
Underdog Nathalia blitzes Echuca to become NCWL premier
16°C