BRAD Murray will stand down as Myrtleford co-coach at the end of the season.
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Murray told players and officials after the Saints’ 73-point loss to Lavington on Saturday he was looking to take a step back after four seasons at the helm at McNamara Reserve.
The 2005 Morris medallist will remain at the Saints in a playing capacity with Leigh Corcoran recommitting to the club as non-playing co-coach.
Myrtleford president Michael Quirk said the club had already started its search for a playing co-coach and was confident of re-signing the bulk of its young list.
Murray, 34, said the time was right to hand over the reins.
“I’m coming towards the end of my career and I’ve got two small kids now and work commitments,” he said.
“I want to finish playing footy where I can just go out and play footy and not have to worry about the behind-the-scenes stuff, which I think I will enjoy.
“I’m still going to be out there on the field doing the same stuff. I’ve had a good think about it and I’m really happy with how it’s going to work.
“It’s good that Leigh is staying on because the set-up is quite good, it shares the load. Ovens and Murray footy is a big commitment.
“Hopefully we can get the rest of the boys to commit because we’ve got a good side and we want everyone to stick together.
“Hopefully we can get a really good player and a leader because they’re going to be walking into an exciting young side.”
Murray has enjoyed a glittering career with the Saints.
He led the club to consecutive grand final appearances in 2005-06 before spending time with Port Adelaide, Echuca and Blackburn.
He returned to Myrtleford as co-coach with Corcoran in 2013 and there is no doubt the fifth-placed Saints are on the up as they chase for their first finals appearance in a decade.
Quirk paid tribute to the home-grown star.
“The stability Brad and Leigh have brought the club over the past four years has been fantastic,” he said.
“They’ve got us to this point and now we need to look forward.
“With Leigh being reappointed, this gives a chance to go out and find a playing co-coach.
“By getting it out early, the players, the supporters, the sponsors know where we are at and we can move forward.
“With the local talent that’s been developed through the club, there’s just a window that might be opening up, which we as a club need to make sure we are on top of.”