A hellish two weeks has continued for East Sunbury with a second loss in Essendon District Football League division 2.
After a week which included their worst loss of the season, a number of injuries to key players and the senior coach quitting, the Thunder proved no match for Roxburgh Park, losing 18.11 (119)-8.5 (53).
The Thunder is still reeling from the shock resignation of coach Steve Grey.
Grey, who was in his fourth year as coach, stepped down last Monday and told the playing group on Tuesday.
Grey said he made his decision on the back of what he saw as no forward planning from the club.
“On the outside things are looking good, but they are very broken on the inside,” he said. “People are only looking at the moment. They want success this year and they aren’t looking to the future. They don’t have a plan for the next five years.”
Grey said there had been a change of direction behind the scenes in the past six months.
He said that was the main reason why he was stepping down.
“It’s run like a junior club,” he said.
“People are looking over your shoulder as they want that success. They were questioning decisions I was making.
“That’s the sad part and hurt me a bit. I’m loyal and wanted to see the club grow.”
As well as resigning from the senior coaching role, Grey has also stepped aside from coaching the club’s under-17 team.
An interim coaching panel will take the reins until the club appoints a coach.
Thunder president Keith Osborne said he was just as shocked as anyone by Grey’s decision.
“There was a number of contributing things and being a start-up senior club, you face a lot of challenges that other clubs don’t have,” Osborne said.
“It can take its toll at times. In the best interest for him and the club we decided parting ways was the best course of action.”
Osborne said they were not only losing a great coach that had made massive inroads with the development of the club, but a great club person as well.
“As a club, we’re staying positive,” he said.
“We’re in a really strong position and Steve is a massive part of that.
“He’s part of the fabric of the club and that hurts the playing group.”
Anthony Galea, Jason Spiteri, Darren Bird and Darrell Cartwright shared the coaching duties against Roxburgh Park and will also do so against Moonee Valley this week.
The Thunder then has a bye.
Osborne said they hoped to appoint an interim coach for the remainder of the season.
