Maher, who entered coaching ranks in 2003 with the thirds at W.J. Findlay Oval, told his players after Saturday’s loss to Corowa-Rutherglen that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.

The school principal took the Hawks into last year’s first semi-final before an exodus of stars, including Sam Carpenter and Daniel Archer, and injuries has seen them plummet back down the table this year.

“I have loved every minute of the job, but to take that next step I think a new voice is needed,” Maher said.

“I do struggle a bit with two significant jobs, one being principal at a school and the other being a senior coach, and I think the time is right.

“You always want to win but we are continuing to develop and improve our young list and there is a lot to be excited about.

“The culture and climate is really good at the club.”

Maher believes Wangaratta Rovers should explore playing and non-playing options in finding his replacement, and is confident of a resurgence in the near future.

“I have asked a few of the boys about the benefits of playing and non-playing coaches,” he said.

“I spoke to Dean Harding recently about how hard it is these days to be a playing coach but from the other side of the coin we have a young group and on-field leadership could be a plus.

“Rovers will do it professionally, I have no doubt about that.

“They will go far and wide and hopefully within the next month or so we will know more.”

Season-ending injuries to Tyson Hartwig (thumb), Josh Newton (knee), Cody Schutt (knee), Sam Dunstan (knee), Harry Ellis (knee), Hayden Lowe (Achilles) and Isaac Willett (foot) have stunted the Hawks’ progress this year.

Maher said the biggest thing he would take away from coaching was watching young players develop into senior footballers.

He coached Wangaratta Rovers thirds in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011 and 2012, the reserves in 2009 and seniors in 2014 and 2015.

“Tyson Hartwig and Ben Kneebone were in the premiership side that I coached in my first year in 2003,” he said.

“Seeing players like that come through has been the biggest joy.

“You get to know these young blokes as footballers and men and they have all been fantastic.”