By Tara Murray
Bundoora coach Andrew Sturgess wanted to coach at a higher level, but he didn’t think it would come this quick.
On Wednesday, Sturgess was announced as Coburg’s senior coach for next season.
It means after one year of coaching the Bulls, Sturgess is headed back to VFL land and a club he loves.
Sturgess was both a player and then assistant coach at Coburg before joining becoming the Bulls coach.
Sturgess, who found out he had the job last week, said that he had wanted to coach at a higher level, but didn’t think it would come this quick.
“I put my hat in the ring and most people have more than one year as a senior coach,” he said.
“It has come quicker than I would have anticipated
“I knew going into the weekend of the last game. I wanted the game to be about Gary [Moorcroft] and him getting the send off he deserved.”
Sturgess said there had been nothing but support from the Bulls committee, players and supporters since they found out about his new role.
He said it was this culture which was part of the strength of the club.
“From day one, I’ve been up front and honest about my intentions that I wanted to make coaching a career into the future,” he said.
“If there’s opportunities, I’m going to go for it.
“If I wasn’t moving up a level, I would have been fully committed to Bundoora. It’s sad to leave Bundoora, they have embraced me with open arms and have created a good culture and a place that is united.
“I’m indebted to them.”
Sturgess said it was bitter sweet leaving the Bulls now, with the senior side missing finals for the first time in a number of years.
He said the club as a whole is in a good spot.
“You have good times and the club has had a number of them and unfortunately this year was a down year on field,” he said.
“The reserves and under-19s are embarking on finals series and the next wave is coming through.
“If they can keep the list together and recruit a couple of players, Bundoora is in a good spot.
“The culture is as good as ever and I leave it in good place.”
It’s a second straight year, the Bulls have lost a coach to the VFL.
Ricky Dyson left the Bulls last year to join Essendon VFL’s coaching panel.
