Hollands told his players after training last night the time was right to step aside to allow the club plenty of time to find a replacement.

He had already said on Saturday he was unlikely to play out the season.

Despite Wodonga being at the bottom of the ladder after seven rounds, Hollands believes the Bulldogs have made inroads in his four years in charge.

“When I took over as coach at the end of the 2010 season, I realised the enormity of the job and the challenge that was before all of us,” Hollands said.

“While it’s obvious that all of us would like more success on the field, we now have a strong family based culture, stronger links with our junior club and an extremely healthy financial position.

“I have no doubt that I have been the right man for the job during this time and I am extremely proud of what we have in place as a platform for the future.”

The move came as a shock as Hollands had re-signed as coach midway through last season and still has another year to run on his contract.

The star midfielder said work and family were major factors in his decision.

Click or flick across for photos of Hollands during his time coaching the club from 2010-2014. 

Hollands took over from Jarrod Twitt with Wodonga in financial crisis and has been on a roller-coaster ride since with a huge turnover of players hampering its progress.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I will be stepping down. I have been considering the decision for some time,” he said.

“The timing of this announcement allows the club to leave no stone uncovered in getting a first-class replacement and with a head start on recruiting for next season.

“It also allows me to sprint to the finish line with no energy left behind as we look to have the club in great shape for the future.”

Hollands started his career with North Albury before being drafted by Richmond and later moving to West Adelaide where he played 100 matches and snared a top-three finish in the Magarey Medal.

He played in Wodonga’s 2004 flag before returning to West Adelaide where he retired in 2008.

Club president Richard Bence said Hollands had made a significant contribution.

“Ben, through his leadership, has significantly influenced the positive culture that exists,” Bence said.

“He has set personal standards of responsibility on and off the ground that are to be admired.

“He has shown that his playing ability will undoubtedly place him in the great players to have been a premiership player, a best and fairest winner and then go on to coach the club.”