Upper Ferntree Gully premiership coach Chad Rogers has announced 2017 will be his last year at the club after a successful reign which included going undefeated and winning the premiership in 2016.
Rogers said he felt he had been successful in developing the playing group and with the enormous success from last year the time is right for a change.
“I’ve had a fantastic four years at the club and like all clubs we set out to win a Premiership and we’ve done that,” Rogers said.
“We want to consolidate our position in second division and work our way to the top.
“It’s been an amazing journey which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. The club is in a unique position with an average playing age of around 21 and unlike other clubs we are playing with around 27 points out of our allocated 45.
“The EFL introduced the player points system to help even out the competition so it’s fantastic to see the club succeed and with so much room to grow.
Rogers also said he had been overwhelmed by the club’s camaraderie and messages of thank you for everything he had accomplished at the club.
“I’ve been involved with various football clubs but Upper Ferntree Gully is something special,” he said.
“They have built their success through their fantastic junior program and by creating an enjoyable social environment for everyone.
“The club has some young players with real talent. I’ve seen Josh Begley recruited to Essendon and Tim Smith to Melbourne.
“That’s a great story because Josh had been overlooked and our football department got him another chance and within the year he was recruited.
“Both those boys came through the junior club program and were given every opportunity at making AFL.”
President Peter Hards thanked Rogers for his services.
“Chad has done everything he set out to do and the club can’t thank him enough,” Hards said.
“On behalf of the club and the players I would like to thank him for everything he has done and coaching us to a premiership.
“Chad will always be welcome at the club. He’s left a fantastic legacy and has been instrumental in improving the club and developing our young playing list and we wish him the best in his next venture.”
