The Bendigo Pioneers are searching for a new coach after the shock resignation of Damian Truslove because of family reasons.
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The former Greater Western Sydney assistant coach has departed the club and returned to Sydney to be with his wife and family.
Long-time Pioneers' assistant coach Danny O'Bree has been appointed interim coach while AFL Victoria goes through the process of selecting a new head coach.
Talent Operations Lead Brooke Brown thanked Truslove for his contribution to the program.
"We are saddened that Damian is leaving the program, but understand that family must come first. He has been nothing short of outstanding in building relationships and helping develop players and the football program within the region," Brown said.
"The La Trobe Bendigo Pioneers is all the better for having had Damian as an integral part of our program and we wish him the best in his future endeavours, and we know that he won't be lost to our players and our program."
Truslove was appointed coach of the Pioneers' boys program in October, 2019, but then had the 2020 NAB League season cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Truslove's role was changed and he was made the club's talent pathway coach where he oversaw the entire program - under-19 and under-17 boys and under-19 and under-17 girls.
The cost cutting saw the Pioneers' staff numbers reduced and it affected the club's capabilities of having training bases in the northern areas of their vast zone from Kyneton to Mildura, which meant expanded responsibilites and more travel for Truslove.
Renowned for his work ethic and passion for developing young people, Truslove made a strong impression with the Pioneers' playing groups.
Last week, AFLW Academy and AFL Academy players Tara Slender and Cooper Hamilton lauded Truslove for his impact on the Pioneers.
"It's amazing to see how much the girls in the Pioneers have improved even in just a month-and-a-bit,'' Slender said.
"I can't speak more highly of Damian,'' Hamilton added.
"He uses positive reinforcement, he knows what he's doing, he knows how to coach and he's professional in what he does."
Truslove spent three seasons as the development coach at the Giants, while he also previously worked in development roles with Carlton and Richmond's VFL programs.
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