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Dual North Bendigo premiership coach Rob Bennett has resigned.
Bennett, who led the Dogs to back-to-back HDFNL flags in 2015-16, has stepped down after four years in charge.
The Bulldogs played in four grand finals in Bennett’s four-year reign, with his final game Saturday’s 26-point loss to Leitchville-Gunbower.
“I’ve had enough,’’ Bennett said.
“I told Darcy Richards and Tyson Findlay last Tuesday night that no matter what the result was on Saturday that it would be my last game.
“Six to eight weeks ago I started contacting players to see what their plans were for next year and they were re-committing, so I thought I’d coach again.
“In the last two weeks I had second thoughts. Coaching is like another full-time job and I have a young family. The kids are involved in their own activities and it’s time I gave a little bit back to them.”
Bennett finished his senior coaching career with the Dogs with a 66-11 win/loss ratio.
“Why the decision rests easy for me is that I walk away knowing the club is in a really good position,’’ Bennett said.
“Over four years the club’s played in four senior grand finals, won a couple of senior premierships, an under-17 premiership and then a reserves premiership on the weekend. I can walk away pretty satisfied with where the club is at.”
The Bulldogs have a number of senior players who appear capable of stepping into the vacant coaching job.
“Whether the guys internally want to take up that opportunity, I’m not sure,’’ Bennett said.
“I’m sure the club will be able to find a good replacement because of where the club is situated.
“90 per cent of the senior side from Saturday has already re-committed for next year, so it’s definitely a good job to take.”
One star Bulldog who won’t be playing at the club next year is Brady Herdman.
The centre half-forward has told the club that Saturday’s losing grand final was his final game.
Herdman retires after a stellar career that included premierships in the Bendigo, North Central and Heathcote District leagues.