IT was the end of an era for Whorouly on Sunday, with popular coach Scott McMasters signing off after five successful years at the helm.
McMasters guided the Lions to the premiership in 2007, and while the club has endured an injury curse ever since, they have never been too far off the pace.
After addressing his charges for the final time as their coach on Sunday afternoon, McMasters took a moment to reflect on what it all meant.
"There are some mixed emotions at the moment," he said.
"Five years is a long time.
"I love the place it is a fantastic footy club and we've had amazing success here.
"There have been a lot of players who have been here that whole time, and the blokes who have come into the side have been terrific, so I'm very close to the entire group.
"I'm a bit numb about it all, but having said that it's the perfect time for someone else to come in."
While there has been little talk about his eventual replacement, McMasters said there was significant interest in the position and the club was honing in on potential suitors.
"They've had discussions with four or five people, but I haven't really quizzed them on it," he said.
"But if I was looking for a coaching job this is the one I'd be going for.
"With blokes like Richie Leahy, Josh Nixon, Brendan Roche and Daniel West sticking around it's a great list.
"Then you've got the depth with young kids like Murray Bennett, Zac Guilfoyle and Kieren Schulz it would be a great job to take on.
"The club is in a really good position, and with a bit of luck this year we might have gone a lot further, but that's footy."
As for Sunday's match, McMasters conceded the Lions had simply been beaten by the better team.
"They were just too good for us in the end," he said.
"There was just a period early in the third quarter where it felt as if they wanted it a bit more than we did, and that was really the difference.
"When good sides like that kick five or six goals in a row it is hard to come back.
"I asked the boys to have a crack and they showed a bit early (in the last quarter), but as soon as (Tarrawingee) replied with a couple it was just too hard."
McMasters said Tarrawingee had the potential to win its third flag in four years, but was adamant it would need everything to go right to defeat Milawa this weekend.
"The year I came (Tarrawingee) only lost four games and finished third, but went out in straight sets," he said.
"So for five years they have been an elite side.
"They lost a couple (of players), but they have still got a very good list.
"They are just a very good side blokes like McCullough and Finton are such good players, and they get an even effort all over the ground.
"But I don't think anyone will get near Milawa to be perfectly honest.
"If they turn up and play their best I just think they might have a few too many weapons.
"But they still have to get past Tarrawingee next week, and it won't be another 75-point drubbing I'll tell you that much."
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
To see the full story, see printed edition of this paper (subscribe today)
FEELING NUMB: Scott McMasters |
Last Modified on 07/09/2011 16:19