PHIL Packer has stepped down as co-coach of Mitta United.
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The three-time premiership coach who returned for a second stint in charge this year, said he had always planned to take the reigns for only one season to help stabilise the club.
With the traditional powerhouse concerned for its future at the start of the season as an outlying club, the Blues vowed to target home-grown talent.
"The plan always was to coach for one season and get as many locals back as possible," Packer said.
"I also wanted to get as many juniors as possible involved as well.
"The main goal was to help stablise the club and I think we have achieved that."
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Mitta United finished fifth last year but slipped to sixth this season with an 8-9-1 record.
Although competitive against the finals contenders when close to full-strength the Blues' lack of depth was sorely exposed when injuries struck.
Craig Lieschke, Darcy Eaton, Jack Gilbee, Jack McDonald, Jamie Baude and Joel Wilson were just a handful of Blues who had extended stints on the sidelines.
"I guess we always knew that we didn't boast a lot of depth," he said.
"When we had our best side on the park, I thought we were really competitive.
"We had 14 players out last weekend against Barnawartha and I think they had five out be we were still leading at quarter time."
Packer said fellow co-coach Ben Dower was keen to stay involved with the club but was weighing up if he had the time to commit to a coaching role.
Dower enjoyed a solid season in the ruck for the Blues and finished just outside the top ten in the Barton medal on Monday night.
"Ben will definitely be involved with the club, it just depends on his work commitments whether he will be co-coach or just a player.
"The club is close is signing a new coach and I expect it will be announced in the next couple of weeks.
"A lot of people are working hard."
