Kennedy will hand over the top job to Damian Sexton with star midfielders Mark Whiley and Tyler Bonat coming on board as assistant-coaches.

In his time in charge at J.C. Lowe Oval, Kennedy took the Pigeons to premierships in 2012 and 2013, runners-up in 2011 and 2014 and preliminary finals in 2016 and 2017.

He will remain involved at Yarrawonga in player welfare and recruiting.

“It’s been enjoyable,” Kennedy said.

“The main reason I’m stepping aside is that I couldn’t give it 100 per cent anymore and, if you can’t do that, it’s time to give it away.

“The coaching side of the club will be in really good hands with ‘Secco’ (Sexton), Tyler and Mark Whiley.

“I’ll be involved in another capacity and it will always be a passion of mine to make sure the club stays strong.”

The Shepparton United legend took the coaching reins with Drew Barnes at the end of the 2010 season after Craig Ednie stepped aside.

Kennedy and Barnes co-coached the two flags against Albury.

Sexton was glowing in his praise of Kennedy.

“I’ve learnt a lot from ‘Kea’,” Sexton said.

“I’m glad we went down this path as co-coaches because I think he saved me from making mistakes and you can’t get away with that in country football.

“He’s going to be staying involved in player welfare and recruiting and that’s important because he has such a big influence on people.”

Sexton said Yarrawonga would continue to blood youngsters after the Pigeons’ thirds won the 2016 premiership and made the preliminary final this season.

“It’s the path we have gone down and will continue to do so with the points system,” he said.

“’Kea’s’ going to be important with those young blokes and bringing them through.”

Kennedy coached Mulwala for five years.