Henty coach Joel Price has made the tough decision to stand down at season's end.
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Price told the playing group on Thursday night he wouldn't at this stage be able to commit to a third campaign at the helm of the Hume league outfit.
Living in Wangaratta and working further south was the biggest hurdle.
"With where my circumstances sit, I just can't make a commitment," Price said.
"It's been really tough because I've really enjoyed the past 18 months and I'm really excited about what the next six weeks can bring for us.
"I think it's only fair for the footy club, in the footy world, they need to be proactive and start making some plans for next year.
"The earlier you can appoint a coach and start to re-sign players, it makes it a lot easier heading into next season."
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Price admitted in an ideal world he would have loved to have stayed on for another 12 months.
"My main focus is on the last six games and making sure we play the best footy we can and hopefully that means giving ourselves an opportunity to play finals this year," he said.
"I had four years at Howlong previously and obviously coming over to Henty was a big move and something that I was probably pretty anxious about.
"For me personally, it's been one of the best decisions I've made in my football career.
"It was disappointing the way we finished off last season, but as far as the people I've been able to meet and build friendships and relationships with in the past 18 months has been great."
Henty football manager Matt Klemke admired Price's passion for the role.
"His ability to recruit ex-AFL players in Jared Brennan, Damien Cupido and Cameron Cloke (for a one-off) was fantastic," he said.
"Also his passion for the indigenous boys, it's been massive for the town.
"We hope the indigenous boys keep coming back to Henty and we've got Joel to thank for that.
"He's a top-quality coach and it's a real shame not to have him here next year."
The Swampies will waste no time beginning their search for a replacement.
"At this stage we're looking towards more of a playing coach," Klemke added.
Price hasn't ruled out coaching in some capacity next year, but can't yet determine where that will be.
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