Greenvale Kangaroos coach Steve Maddocks knew the time was right for him to step down as coach of the Premier Cricket side.
Having coached the club in the two years since Greenvale and North Melbourne merged, Maddocks was offered the chance to coach the club for a third year.
He considered the offer but decided to stick with his original plan.
“It was my intention for it to be only two years when I first started,” Maddocks said.
“It’s a 100-kilometre round trip to attend training. The role needs the commitment of someone who can coach for the next four years and I couldn’t do that.
“I seriously considered staying one more year when they asked, but I stuck with the original plan.”
Maddocks said it would be an exciting time for the club with a number of people already applying for the job.
“When I took on the job there was no applicants and they approached me,” he said. “I believe around five people are interested in the role … I think my two assistant coaches, Dale McDonald and Stan Nell, have put their hands up.”
Maddocks said he thought either an experienced or new coach could fill the role.
“They need to commit to at least four years and be prepared that there could be a few tough years, but it’s an exciting time for the club.”
Maddocks said the development of some of the younger players had been the highlight of his time as coach.
Greenvale finished 17th on the ladder with four wins in the season just finished.
“James Lidgett was a stand-out as captain, while Kyle Adams was our unofficial vice-captain and played a terrific all-round game,” Maddocks said.
“Aaron Smillie came in and took 30 wickets, while James Rosewarne came across from Northcote where he wasn’t playing ones and showed something after Christmas. They certainly showed enough to build a team around.”
Maddocks said he would like to coach again at some point.
Meanwhile, Roxburgh Park Broad- meadows president Ben Wood says the club’s coach, Mitchell Johnstone, is exploring Premier Cricket coaching options for 2015-16.
