By Tara Murray
Jacana is on the hunt for a new coach after Robert Fletcher decided not to continue on in the role.
Fletcher, who is in his second season coaching the Essendon District Football League division 1 side, was offered a contract extension but decided to step down at season’s end.
He told the playing group of his decision last week.
Fletcher told Star Weekly he wanted to do the best thing by Jacana by telling them early on. He said his coaching future was unclear but he didn’t rule out coaching elsewhere.
“Losing my mum and dad this year, I want to spend more time with the family.
“Being undecided [on coaching next season] I didn’t want to wait to the end of the year and give Jacana an answer and put them behind the eight ball. This gives them a five or six week head start looking for a new coach.”
Fletcher said stepping down was a difficult decision because he loves the club.
It’s been a mixed couple of years for Fletcher and the Jaguars. After a division 2 premiership last year, this season in division 1 has been winless.
“I have enjoyed my time, even this year,” Fletcher said. “I don’t enjoy losing [but] seeing some of the guys grow and stand up as leaders has been really pleasing.
“Our leadership group has really stood up.
“We’d love to get a couple of wins.”
On Saturday it was another tough day for the Jaguars, with a 19.11 (125)-11.13 (79) loss to East Keilor.
Fletcher said he was happy with how his team performed after quarter-time.
“Every team has injuries and we’re not using it as an excuse,” he said.
“We had 12 blokes playing who are not ready to play senior footy. They’ve been lucky to get opportunities and show us things.
“They had a red hot crack. We got smashed in the first quarter, but after that maintained the margin for the rest of the day.”
Bryce Kimuliatis kicked four goals for the Jaguars, and was one of their best, along with Justin Colliss.
The Jaguars sit bottom, three games behind second-last Westmeadows who lost to Taylors Lakes, 20.8 (128)-7.10 (52).
Tullamarine’s hold on a top two spot has increased with a 11.13 (79)-8.14 (62) win against Hillside. They sit three games clear of Craigieburn, which lost to ladder-leaders Airport West 9.17 (71)-9.9 (63).
In division 2, Roxburgh Park defeated Coburg Districts 11.19 (85)-10.8 (68).
Tara Murray
