Northcote Park Football Netball Club has announced that Stephen Saddington will not continue as senior coach of the club after three years at the helm.
A former club captain, dual premiership player and best and fairest winner, Saddington joined the Cougars ahead of the 2021 campaign following a stint with North Heidelberg.
In their first season in Division 2 since 1994, Northcote Park finished one game outside the top five this year.
The club confirmed his departure from the role last week but says he will stay with the club in a different capacity.
A club statement said:
Northcote Park FNC would like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Senior Men’s head coach Stephen Saddington.
Over the course of the last 3 seasons, he has poured his heart and soul into coaching our club.
As many of you may know, coaching is not just a profession; it is a way of life. It demands an unwavering commitment of time, energy, and passion.
Despite the challenges and the fact that results may not always have gone our way, Saddo has remained steadfast in his dedication to this club.
The countless hours he has spent off the field, strategizing, and nurturing the potential in each player have not gone unnoticed.
He has played a pivotal role in creating an enjoyable environment that fosters camaraderie and growth, both on and off the field.
It is important for us to acknowledge the immense contribution he has made to our club.
His energy and passion for our club is as strong as it always has been and so Saddo will be staying on at the club in a new capacity.
The club will now begin the search for a head coach to lead us in 2024.
