Billabong Crows coach Jason Kerr steps down from top job

The Crows finished 11th this year with a 2-14 record after battling a crippling injury toll for the majority of the season.

The previous season was wiped out due to COVID-19.

Kerr cited a generation gap as the major reason behind his decision to step down.

"I honestly think the group needs a younger coach," Kerr said.

"Somebody who can relate to the group a bit better.

"Don't get me wrong, I knew what I signed up for from the start and I loved being involved with the club.

"People who know me would probably describe me as being a fairly intense coach who is full-on.

"So it was frustrating driving from Cobram for training on a Tuesday night and on most occasions there would be 10 blokes turning up.

"I think a playing coach would be better suited to the job, someone who can lead by example on the field.

"Being a non-playing coach, it's hard to give the players a bake after a poor performance when you are not out there helping the cause."

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Kerr felt that the Crows' win-loss ratio was not a true reflection of the club's potential.

"It was unbelievable the amount of injuries we copped," he said.

"Blokes simply weren't fit enough after having the previous season off which was a contributing factor.

"In my opinion, at full-strength the list is competitive enough to challenge for finals.

"But we needed everyone to be playing and you soon get exposed when you haven't got the depth.

"I think in 2019 when the club played finals they turned over less than 30 players.

"This year we had 46 players that played seniors which highlights how many injuries we copped."

Kerr has strong family ties to the club and is a former Oaklands junior who made his senior debut with the Hawks in 1983.

The dual North Albury premiership player replaced Al Austin at the helm.

His younger brother, Ben, also had two coaching stints at the club after coaching Oaklands in 2002-04 before taking the reins of the merged identity in 2011-12.

Kerr said the exposure of several talented juniors to senior football this season could prove a silver lining for whoever replaced him.

"One of the biggest positives of the season was that a lot of kids were given opportunities," he said.

"Personally trying to develop the kids was one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching this year.

"Hopefully it holds the club in good stead in the future."

The Crows are expected to announce Kerr's replacement before the weekend.

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