Sunbury Kangaroos coach Chris Meacham is standing down at the end of the Riddell District Football League season.
Meacham told the Star Weekly that he made the decision five weeks ago with the need to have shoulder surgery was one of the major reasons.
“Al [Walters, club president] tried to convince me to make decision at the end of the season.
“With a couple of other clubs possibly looking for coaches for next year, we decided we wanted to get it out there early we are looking.”
Meacham said surgery, which he will have after the grand final, would mean he would miss a lot of preseason next year if he had decided to continue on.
Last season he stood down for the second half of the season after a farming accident meant he needed knee and shoulder surgery.
“There’s a few things [why I’m standing down],” Meacham said.
“I need to have another shoulder reconstruction. People look at me and think I’m OK, but I need more surgery for pain management.
“I’m going to need to have a shoulder replacement in years to come.”
Meacham said it would also be good for the club to have a different voice.
“Last season I stood down because of the accident, this time it’s not just because of surgery.
“I’ve been here six years and it’s time the boys had a different voice telling them what to do.
“Having a year off will benefit me and it will benefit the club
“I’m leaving them in a good position with a good list.”
For now it’s chasing another premiership which is the aim for Meacham and the Kangaroos.
Meacham was co-coach of the club’s 2012 premiership when he kicked the winning goal.
“We are still chasing that premiership.
“We need at least two more wins in the final rounds to make finals I’m confident we can achieve that.”
The Kangaroos face Macedon at Tony Clarke Oval on Saturday.
