Sandhurst premiership coach Wayne Primmer has resigned.
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Primmer led the Dragons to the 2016 flag in his first season in charge before finishing fourth this year.
Sandhurst president Chris Greene said the club expected Primmer to continue in 2018, but the former Essendon player told the Dragons the time was right for him to move on.
“Wayne has done a sensational job for the club,’’ Greene said.
“He bought professionalism to the club and led us to two premierships last year (seniors and reserves).
“This was his decision because he felt he couldn’t commit the time required to do the job.
“The fact he put the club first speaks volumes for Wayne. He’s done a brilliant job… and we’re sad that he’ll be leaving the club.”
Primmer said he originally wanted to coach again in 2018, but as the season came to an end he changed his mind.
“You have to do a self-assessment on yourself and ask yourself if you have the energy to go again,’’ Primmer said.
“I’m not sure if I could go again and, to be fair to the club, I had to let them know that. The best thing to do was to tell them early so they could find someone else.
“It’s been a big couple of years and people probably don’t realise the time that goes into it.
“It’s not a case of turning up to the game on Saturday, training on Tuesday and training on Thursday. It doesn’t work like that. It’s more professional these days and it’s only going to get more professional.
“It takes up a large portion of your week.”
Midfielder Andy Collins, who coached Bridgewater to premiership success in the LVFNL, is the favourite to replace Primmer.
“Andy has indicated he’d like to coach and we’re also speaking to another candidate from outside of the club,’’ Greene admitted.
“Andy certainly has the front running, but we’d be doing Andy and the club a disservice if we didn’t explore all options.”
Greene confirmed 2016 Michelsen Medal Kristan Height had retired, but he expected the remainder of the Dragons’ core group to return for the 2018 season.