DEAN Stone has stood down as Wangaratta’s coach.
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Stone informed the Magpies’ playing group after Sunday’s narrow loss to Albury that increasing work and family commitments would make it impossible for him to stay on for a third term at Norm Minns Oval.
“As much as I want to keep going, I’m just tired and need a break,” Stone said.
“With my personality, I’m either 120 per cent at it or I’m not.
With my personality, I’m either 120 per cent at it or I’m not
- Dean Stone
“If I didn’t do that, the players would see through it and that’s not good enough.
“I’m really comfortable with the plans the club has in place moving forward and I’ll stay involved.
“I’ll do whatever the new coach wants whether it’s recruiting or something else.”
Stone guided Wangaratta to a stunning grand final victory over Albury at Lavington Sportsground last season and fell just eight points short in their return bout at the weekend.
He took over the top job from Brendan Cairns.
“It’s been a great couple of years,” he said.
“I’m not going to say I’m done forever because that's not the case.
“I’ve loved the coaching aspect and the development and growth of the young kids like the Richards boys, Brad Melville and Harry Smart.
“We aren’t a big community but the talent that’s in our town is unbelievable.
“I’m excited about the future with most of the players committing already.”
While disappointed with Sunday’s loss, Stone said he took heart from the character shown by the players after they trailed by 37 points during the second quarter.
“Unfortunately we had our chances and didn’t take them in the third quarter,” he said.
“The effort was certainly there though.”
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